"Gertrude knows that for a fact?"
"A fact. And she knows it was done last year too, before the baby was born."
"And I know," said Brodrick fiercely, "it was not."
"Have her in," said Sophy, "and ask her."
Brodrick had her in and asked her. Gertrude gave her evidence with a gentle air of surprise that there could be any doubt as to what Mrs. Brodrick had been up to—this year, at any rate. She flushed when Brodrick confronted her with his certainty as to last year. She could not, in the face of Brodrick's certainty, speak positively as to last year.
She withdrew herself hastily, as from an unpleasant position, and was followed by Sophy Levine.
"There's nothing for it," said Henry, "but to tell her."
"About the child?"
"About the child."
There was a terrible pause.