intense concentration for the least hint of what Sheila was
doing, of what was going on in the house beneath him. He had not
very long to wait. He was sitting with his head leaning on his
hand, the book unheeded beneath the other on the table, when the
door opened again behind him, and Sheila entered. She stood for a
moment, calm and dignified, looking down on him through her veil.

'Please understand, Arthur, that I am not taking this step in
pique, or even in anger. It would serve no purpose to go on like
this--this incessant heedlessness and recrimination. There have
been mistakes, misconceptions, perhaps, on both sides. To me
naturally yours are most conspicuous. That need not, however,
blind me to my own.'

She paused in vain for an answer.

'Think the whole thing over candidly and quietly,' she began
again in a quiet rapid voice. 'Have you really shown the
slightest regard, I won't say for me, or even for Alice, but for
just the obvious difficulties and--and proprieties of our
position? I have given up as far as I can brooding on and on over
the same horrible impossible thoughts. I withdraw unreservedly
what I said just now about punishment. Whatever the evidence, it
is not even a wife's place to judge like that. You will forgive
me that?'

Lawford did not turn his head. 'Of course,' he said, looking
rather vacantly out of the window, 'it was only in the heat of
the moment, Sheila; though, who knows? it may be true.'