"There's an admirable article about Carlyle in the same number of the National Review," said Miss Spraggs presently.
"I never read anything about Carlyle," declared Mrs Devitt.
Miss Spraggs raised her straight eyebrows.
"He didn't get on with his wife," said Mrs Devitt, in a manner suggesting that this fact effectually disposed in advance of any arguments Miss Spraggs might offer.
Soon after, Montague Devitt came into the room, to be received with inquiring glances by the two women. He walked to the fireplace, where he stood in moody silence.
"Well?" said his wife presently.
"Well!" replied Devitt.
"What has Lowther confessed?"
"The usual."
"Money?"