Page:The Millbank Case - 1905 - Eldridge.djvu/106

 to stand for the family during the remainder of the evening. A carriage in front blocked the way and a voice almost at her elbow, but on the side opposite that at which she had entered, said:

"May I have the honour of calling in the morning?"

She did not even turn her head, as she flung back the answer:

"If it's necessary."

"I think it necessary."

"At half-past ten, then."

She did not look to see, but knew that the place was vacant. None the less she yielded no whit, but held her upright position, as if she were already on trial before the world and bade it defiance.

It was the same in the morning. She entered the small parlour as if it were she and not her visitor who was to ask explanations, and he, with his quick adaptation of himself to moods and conditions, not alone humoured her, but throughout bore himself with a courtesy and deference that went as far as anything could to salve her wounded pride.

"I assume it is not necessary for me to explain