"Lady Frances," she said very quietly, "why did Sir Walter Gore tell you all these things?"
Lady Frances freed the hands she had continued to hold.
"Oh, we are old friends. He tells me many things. I fought more than one battle for you, while you were in Venice—and afterwards."
"For me? After I left Venice?"
"Oh, many battles. Walter is so extreme in his judgments of men and things. I lose patience with him sometimes."
"And what was Sir Walter Gore's judgment of me—after I left Venice?"
Lady Frances gave a little deprecating laugh.
"Would that be quite fair?"
"Yes, I think so, if I wish to know."
The older woman took a fresh cigarette from the case beside her.