When his Highness came back to them she rose hastily and
went to her own room.

Late that night Miss Vance found her there in the dark,
sitting bolt upright in her chair, still robed in velvet
and lace. Clara regarded her sternly, feeling that it
was time to take her in hand.

"You have not forgiven George?" she said abruptly.

Mrs. Waldeaux looked up, but said nothing.

"Is he coming back soon?"

"He never shall come back while that woman is with him."

Miss Vance put her lamp on the table and sat down.
"Frances," she said deliberately, "I know what this is to
you. It would have been better for you that George had
died."

"Much better."

"But he didn't die. He married Lisa Arpent. Now it is
your duty to accept it. Make the best of it."

"If a lizard crawls into my house will you tell me to
accept it? Make the best of it? Oh, my God! The slimy
vile creature!"