“I—I don’t know.”
After a pause Lady Selina continued heavily:
“I am forced to the conclusion that things—important things—have been kept from me. Why? Why?”
Cicely blushed faintly, thinking of Grimshaw’s phrase: “the conspiracy of silence.”
“Perhaps, Mother, those who loved you wanted to spare you.”
Lady Selina nodded.
“I understand. I have been regarded by those who loved me as a fool content in her paradise.”
As she spoke Grimshaw was ushered in. He crossed to his patient, saying courteously:
“Forgive an unavoidable delay, Lady Selina. I had to dress your coachman’s hand.”
“My poor Hutchings——! Is he much hurt?”