occasion.'

'The first part of her remark--yes,' said Rhoda caustically. 'But as
for the "no harm in trying," well, let us ask the wife's opinion in a
year's time.'

* * * * * * * * * *

Midway in the London season on Sunday afternoon, about a score of
visitors were assembled in Mrs. Cosgrove's drawing-rooms--there were
two of them, with a landing between. As usual, some one sat at the
piano, but a hum of talk went on as undercurrent to the music.
Downstairs, in the library, half a dozen people found the quietness
they preferred, and among these was Mrs. Widdowson. She had an album of
portraits on her lap; whilst turning them over, she listened to a chat
going on between the sprightly Mr. Bevis and a young married woman who
laughed ceaselessly at his jokes. It was only a few minutes since she
had come down from the drawing-room. Presently her eyes encountered a
glance from Bevis, and at once he stepped over to a seat beside her.

'Your sisters are not here to-day?' she said.

'No. They have guests of their own. And when are you coming to see them
again?'

'Before long, I hope.'

Bevis looked away and seemed to reflect.

'Do come next Saturday--could you?'

'I had better not promise.'

'Do try, and'--he lowered his voice--'come alone. Forgive me for saying
that. The girls are rather afraid of Mr. Widdowson, that's the truth.
They would so like a free gossip with you. Let me tell them to expect
you about half-past three or four. They will rise up and call me
blessed.'

Laughing, Monica at length agreed to come if circumstances were
favourable. Her talk with Bevis continued for a long time, until people
had begun to leave. Some other acquaintance then claimed her, but she
was now dull and monosyllabic, as if conversation had exhausted her
energies. At six o'clock she stole away unobserved, and went home.

Widdowson had resigned himself, in appearance at all events, to these
absences. It was several weeks since he had accompanied his wife to
call upon any one; a sluggishness was creeping over him, strengthening
his disinclination for society. The futile endeavour to act with
decision, to carry Monica away into Somerset, resulted, as futile
efforts of that kind are wont to do, in increased feebleness of the
will; he was less capable than ever of exerting the authority which he
still believed himself to keep for the last resort. Occasionally some
days went by without his leaving the house. Instead of the one d