'I didn't mean anything. Don't listen to what I say. It's
only--it's just Alice knowing, that was all; I mean at once.'

'Don't for a moment suppose I am not perfectly aware that it is
only Alice you think of. You were particularly anxious about my
feelings, weren't you? You broke the news to me with the
tenderest solicitude. I am glad our--our daughter shares my
husband's love.'

'Look here,' said Lawford densely, 'you know that I love you as
much as ever; but with this--as I am; what would be the good of
my saying so?' Mrs Lawford took a deep breath.

And a voice called softly at the door, 'Mother, are you there?
Is father awake? May I come in?'

In a flash the memory returned to her; twenty-four hours ago she
was asking that very question of this unspeakable figure that sat
hunched-up before her.

'One moment, dear,' she called. And added in a very low voice,
'Come here!'

Lawford looked up. 'What?' he said.

'Perhaps, perhaps,' she whispered, 'it isn't quite so bad.'

'For mercy's sake, Sheila,' he said, 'don't torture me; tell the
poor child to go away.'