“It is a matter of profound indifference to me whether you did or not,” was the reply. “For aught that I know or cared, you may have read it a year and a half ago. I retract nothing that is set down there. Clara, shall we go on with our music?”
Glancing around stealthily at the finale of the (sic) he saw that Mabel's chair was vacant, and Mr. Aylett was reading composedly beneath the lamp.
Clara made the same discovery at the same moment, and came forward laughing to her husband.
“What had you been saying to our dear, excitable Mabel, that challenged the introduction of that unfortunate document?”
“Told her of Frederic Chilton's intended marriage!” curtly, and without laying aside his volume.
“Preposterous!”
“I agree with you—but it is the truth.”
Herbert stood apart glowing at the fire.
“You must have approached the subject unskilfully,” urged the peacemaker. “These old sores are oest left alone.”
“It is best for married woman to have none,” retorted Winston, doggedly.