Bruce looked horrified.

'Holding hands,' continued Edith; 'and I can't help thinking they must
be engaged. Isn't it extraordinary Hyacinth hasn't told me? What do
you think?'

Bruce got up from the table, lighted a cigarette, and walked round the
little room.

'I don't know. I must consider. I must think it over.' He paused a
minute. 'I am pained. Pained and surprised. A girl like Hyacinth, a
friend of yours, behaving like a housemaid out with a soldier in the
open street!'

'It wasn't the street, Bruce.'

'It's the same idea.'

'Quite a quiet part of the Gardens.'

'That makes their conduct worse. I scarcely think, after what you have
told me, that I can allow you to go out with Hyacinth tomorrow.'

'How can you be so absurd? I must go; I want to hear about it.'

'Have I ever made any objection till now at your great intimacy with
Hyacinth Verney? Of course not. Because I was deceived in her.'

'Deceived?'