“But where ARE they? That’s exactly it. In these three months, for instance,” Edward demanded, “how has their connexion profited?”
Mrs. Brook turned it over. “Profited which?”
“Well, one cares most for one’s child.”
“Then she has become for him what we’ve most hoped her to be—an object of compassion still more marked.”
“Is that what you’ve hoped her to be?” Mrs. Brook was obviously so lucid for herself that her renewed expression of impatience had plenty of point. “How can you ask after seeing what I did—”
“That night at Mrs. Grendon’s? Well, it’s the first time I HAVE asked it.”
Mrs. Brook had a silence more pregnant. “It’s for being with US that he pities her.”
Edward thought. “With me too?”
“Not so much—but still you help.”
“I thought you thought I didn’t—that night.”