Hugh made a helpless gesture. “I am a ruined man, Cahusac.”
“My dear fellow, half the world forgets and the rest forgives. I have been about much lately, sounding society. The heroic condones. Pardon my frankness.”
“And those two?”
“Who? The Merriams? Of course they are much discussed.”
“I know,” said Hugh. “Look—you asked me for my plans. This is one. I enter no house where I should be pardoned and the Merriams condemned.”
“You must excuse me, Colman,” said Cahusac, somewhat at fault; “I am aware of delicate ground—but why do you speak of them unitedly? Merriam has broken no conventions; naturally, he will be received everywhere, as usual.”
“He will claim equal privileges for his wife.”
“But they are not continuing to live together, as if nothing had happened?”
“Just as if nothing had happened.” replied Hugh, with the conviction of ignorance.
“And your relations remain unbroken?”