Page:Encounters (Bowen).djvu/68

 quite brave enough perhaps, to speak out and make an end of things herself. He knows that her affections are elsewhere, and he believes that he is doing the best thing he can for her by setting her free."

Veronica had turned a little, and sat facing Maurice. Penelope saw the golden flicker of her lashes; the blue letter fluttered to the ground from between her writhing fingers.

"The trousseau was all bought," she faltered. "The going-away dress came from Pam's this morning, just before I got that letter."

Penelope could not speak; she felt utterly inadequate. Maurice shifted his position; and stood leaning up against the window-frame; with intensity of interest he turned his head and looked into the garden.

"It's stopped raining," he observed. Veronica did not move; but Penelope saw her eyes slide sideways; following his movements under drooping lids.

"How do you know all this," Maurice asked abruptly, "what Victor says and that, when you've had no time to read his letter?"

"He wrote to me, too," said Penelope.