Page:Watts Mumford--Whitewash.djvu/210

 as a married woman and her close friend, to demand of you the meaning of certain lies I have heard coming unmistakably from you, which concern the private character of Miss Claudel."

Philippa's jaw dropped. In spite of her great self-control, she could not prevent an anxious glance in the direction of her lover. In a flash she realized that she had overreached herself. That in her anxiety to help and shield Valdeck, she had exposed her own precious person.

Victoria, having the most at stake, was the most nervous of all, and her pallor was misinterpreted by Philippa, who, to do her justice, had not the slightest doubt of the truth of Valdeck's statement. She pulled herself together haughtily, ignoring Mrs. Durham's speech.

"I notice," she said, icily, "that Miss Claudel has very little to say for herself in this matter. Doubtless you have dragged her into the interview against her wishes. But as Miss Claudel has been one of my friends, for her sake I will let what you say pass."

Victoria recovered her power of speech. "What on earth are you saying, Philippa? I 200