"Why," he asked them both, "can two women not live in the same house
without quarrelling? Is it impossible for a wretched man ever to have a
moment's peace?"

In the end, he worked himself into such a passion that Lady Byrne and
Juliet were driven to a reconciliation, and found themselves defending
each other against his reproaches.

After this they got on better together.




CHAPTER II


One hot summer day, a few months after the marriage, Juliet, returning to
the consulate after a morning spent in very active exercise upon a tennis
court, was met on the doorstep by Dora, the youngest of the Clarency
Butchers, who was awaiting her approach in a high state of excitement.

"Hurry up, Juliet," she cried, as soon as she could make herself
heard. "You'll never guess what there is for you. Something you don't
often get!"

"What is it?" said Juliet, coming up the steps.

"Guess!"