The child awoke and she took it in her arms, finding strange comfort to feel it there.
“Yes, baby mine. You have taught me a great deal, and I am very grateful to you, dear,” she whispered, and kissed it tenderly.
Lunch was eaten alone, and she remained in her own rooms all the afternoon. Every now and then she would find herself wondering what her husband was doing.
When she had ordered tea to be brought to her, the door opened, and Lady Ethel entered, a look of excitement on her face.
“What has happened between you and John?” she cried to Lady Mildred.
“What do you mean? Why do you ask the question?”
“I have just passed the library. The door was open. John and Mr. Drake and another gentleman were talking. I heard John say in a loud voice: ‘Yes. By Heaven I will go back to the Congo.’ And then I came away, for I do not like to listen to what is not intended for my ears. Is John really going back to that dreadful country?” Lady Ethel asked anxiously.
Lady Mildred rose to her feet, and her face worked painfully.
“Should it be true?” she muttered hoarsely.