"But she is a good woman. That's why she's happy now."
Sophy arranged her motor-veil, very thoughtfully, over and around a smile.
This conversation had thrown light on Jinny, a light that to Sophy's sense was beautiful but perilous, hardly of the earth.
XLIII
Down in the garden at Roehampton, Gertrude and Frances Heron were more tenderly and intimately discussing the same theme.
Frances was the only one of the Brodricks with whom tenderness and intimacy were possible for one in Gertrude's case. She was approachable through her sufferings, her profound affections, and the dependence of her position that subdued in her her racial pride.
Gertrude had confessed to a doubt as to whether she ought or ought not to have gone back.
"I don't know," said Frances, "that it was very wise."
"Perhaps not, from the world's point of view. If I had thought of that——" she stopped herself, aware that scandal had not been one of any possibilities contemplated by the Brodricks.