"That would be harder for me to bear than to think of him as dead. Therefore, whatever others may be doing, his mother or ... or yourself, I am cherishing no illusions. My son is gone. His career is at an end. Let us ... please let us say no more on the subject."
Helena did not reply. Her bosom was stirred by her rapid breathing, but she continued to stare out of the window. After a moment the Consul-General said more calmly—
"Have you any plans for the future?"
Helena shook her head.
"No desire to remain in Egypt?"
"Any relatives or friends in England?"
"All the same I think it will be best for you to return home."
Helena bowed without speaking.
"The sooner the better, perhaps."
"This is Sunday. There is a steamship from Alexandria on Saturday—will it suit you to sail by that?"