He fell to musing, and I smoked in silence until George came in. Then we had the discussion re-opened; Bertrand returned from the House at eleven, and I heard it a third time. If O'Rane hoped for advice or comfort, I am afraid he did not get it, though Bertrand did indeed tell him bluntly that he was burdening himself needlessly.
"I could have got rid of it all by divorcing her," was the only answer.
"You're not responsible for the child."
"Somebody's got to be."
Bertrand sighed and held his peace, while George and O'Rane talked in undertones.
"What are you going to do yourself?" I asked.
"I've hardly thought. You see, until four hours ago I'd always contemplated having Sonia as—as part of my life. I've got to think things out afresh.... But there's plenty of time. For the present, of course, I'm going back to Melton. To-morrow."
"Have you said good-bye to Sonia?" George enquired. "I mean, have I got to explain all this to her?"
O'Rane hesitated in doubt.
"I'm not quite sure. You see, she said she wanted to tell me something, and I went in, and then she told me that she was going to have a child. I can't say if I shewed anything—more than surprise, I mean. I said—I really don't know what I did say. We talked about how she was, and I said I hoped she was better, and was there anything that she wanted? And she asked me when I was going back to Melton.... I told her to let me know if there was anything I could do.... We didn't take any formal farewell, but I came away as soon as I could, we weren't either of us enjoying it very much."