"Because I knew you had company, and I haven't any company manners."
"It's only Dorothy Webber—you met her in Scotland."
"Yes. . . ." There was a little pause, and before she could think of anything else to say he said: "Well, I shall see you this evening, then."
"Yes."
Marie sighed as she hung up the receiver. She wished he had refused to come, and yet she was longing to see him. She felt painfully nervous as the evening drew nearer.
230 Chris had driven out into the country with Dorothy to play golf, and for the first time for a week Marie found herself with a little breathing space.
Chris' attentions had been rather overwhelming. He had done his best, she knew, and was grateful to him for it, but he left her rather breathless. She could never lose sight of the fact that his affections were forced and wondered how much longer he would be able to keep up the farce.
She never gave herself a moment in which to think. She never looked forward, but lived in the present only.
Chris had said he should be home at six, but at seven o'clock, when Feathers was announced, he had not returned.
Marie went down to the drawing-room with a trembling heart. She had hoped that her husband would have been home before Feathers came. She knew that her face was white as she crossed the room to him and that her voice was unsteady as she said: