almost
continuous drugging of the last few months, were all a-quiver. The
threat of the "suitable allowance" drove her to frenzy. She wanted
somebody to vent her rage upon, and there was nobody to serve the
purpose. For a moment she regretted she had not brought her maid with
her to Wiesbaden.

Her attitude must depend on Clifford's attitude. But, whatever line of
action was to be taken, one point seemed clear. She must be calm with
Clifford--forgiving. She must play for the quixotic side of his nature.
She had better be even cordial.

Accordingly she gave him a wifely kiss when he entered.

Riviere wondered how Elaine could have worked this miracle for him.

"You've seen Miss Verney, I suppose?" he suggested.

"Yes; and I must admit I was very pleasantly surprised. I had formed an
altogether wrong opinion of her."

"Then I'm glad you met.... You see now that your suspicions of her were
absolutely unfounded."

Olive knew the sincerity in Riviere's tone. So it was just as she had
guessed--the girl had been attempting a daring bluff by her
self-accusation.

"Absolutely unfounded," agreed Olive. "That's why I want to forgive and
forget."

She gave him one of her sweetest smiles.

Riviere was puzzled. He had an uneasy feeling that something very vital
was being kept from him. He noticed his wife's hands all a-quiver, and
that fact jarred against the calm of her words.

He answered: "You've changed your attitude towards me very quickly. I
take it you only arrived in Wiesbaden to-day?"

"Yes; but it's more than a fortnight since that scene in Larssen's
office. I've had time to reflect over things. I was too hasty in what I
said then. You must remember that you sprang a surprise on me when you
returned in that secret way, and naturally I was put out. I always hate
to be taken at a disadvantage, as you ought to know by now.... Clifford,
when _will_ you learn to read women as well as you read men? If you'd
approached me a little differently; if you hadn't assumed I was hostile
to you; if you'd only taken me a little more patiently and pressed your
point more insistently----" Olive paused significantly.

"Which point?"

"Surely you remember?"

"There were many points we discussed."

"_The_ point--when you were generous enough to offer to start our life
afresh."

Riviere looked keenly at his wife. Her eyes were downcast, as though it
hurt her modesty to have to make overtures. There was a faint blush on
her