“Has she told you so?”

“Good heavens—no. But she never would.”

“She need not be alone,” observed Braybrooke. “She could have a companion to-morrow.”

“I can’t imagine her with a Fanny Cronin.”

“I don’t mean a dame de compagnie. I mean a husband.”

Craven’s ardent blue eyes looked a question.

“Seymour Portman is always there waiting and hoping.”

“Sir Seymour?” cried Craven.

“Well, why not?” said Braybrooke, almost with severity. “Why not?”

“But his age!”