I didn’t know that, Harriet. In fact, I thought you would rather not. When a dreadful thing like this happens in a family it seems best not to write about it or to speak of it either, doesn’t it? Hugo and I never speak of it.

MRS. CLOUSTON

Does Hugo know you hear from her?

MRS. DE MULLIN

I think not. I have never told him. Nor Hester. I’m sure Hester would disapprove.

MRS. CLOUSTON

My dear Jane, what can it matter whether Hester approves or not? Hester knows nothing about such things. At her age!

MRS. DE MULLIN

Hester is twenty-eight.

MRS. CLOUSTON