Olive tried a fresh avenue of attack. "Very well, then, let's leave that point. What I want to say now is still more delicate. I don't want to wound your feelings, but now that all three of us are together the matter ought to be discussed calmly and dispassionately and settled once and for all."
Rivière interrupted. "You promised me that this matter should not be mentioned."
"Promised?"
"In effect."
"But we must discuss it!"
Elaine put in a word: "I'd sooner the whole situation were threshed out now. Please!"
"As you will," answered Rivière. "But remember that you're perfectly free to close the discussion at any moment."
Olive resumed: "Yesterday, when we had our chat together, I was forced to draw certain inferences. And I had to tell Clifford that it would be only right for him to avoid compromising you further."
"What inferences?"
"Must I speak more definitely?"