"You loved him—then?"
"I didn't love you."
"Did you love him?"
"No. I thought I hated him. Later, when I knew I loved him, I even lied to him and told him I didn't love him. I can't forgive myself that. But then, when I did that thing, I only knew what I've told you."
Stainton turned away. She saw him make an effort to straighten himself, but his shoulders bent and his head drooped. He was shuffling toward the door.
Nevertheless, Muriel was now ruthlessly honest.
"But I love him now," she said.
"Yes," said Stainton. His voice was dull.
"When you married me," said Muriel, "I knew nothing—nothing. I was no more fit to be your wife than you, because you knew so much and so little, were fit to be my husband."
Stainton half turned.