"By doing as you did."
"You insult me!" cried Mavis, now roused from her lethargy.
"Eh?"
"Insult me. And that is why you came. But since you're here, you may as well know I made a mess of it, as you call it, because I loved your son. If I'd the time over again, I suppose I'd be just such another fool. I can't help it. I loved him. I wish you good morning."
Major Pengal had never been so taken aback in his life. Mavis's words and manner carried conviction to his heart.
"I didn't know—I beg your pardon—I take hack my words," he said confusedly.
Mavis relapsed into her previous torpor.
"I didn't know there was such a woman in the world," he continued. "What you must have been through!"
Mavis did not speak.
"May I have the honour of calling on you again?" he asked with old-fashioned courtesy.