“I have done all that I can do,” said Lady Sellingworth, with a sort of despair, taking her hand from the girl’s arm.
“Very well.”
Beryl moved and went slowly towards the door. Lady Sellingworth stood looking after her. She thought the hideous interview was over. But she did not know Beryl even yet, did not realize even yet the passionate force of curiosity which possessed Beryl at this moment. When the girl was not far from the door, and when Lady Sellingworth was reaching out her hand to touch the bell in order that the footman might know that her visitor was leaving her, Beryl turned round.
“Adela!” she said.
“Yes. What is it?”
“Perhaps you think that I have been very persistent to-night, that I have almost cross-examined you.”
“I don’t blame you. It is natural that you wished to know more.”
“Yes, it is natural, because Mr. Arabian wants me to marry him.”
“To marry him!”
Lady Sellingworth started forward impulsively.