n
three or four pounds a week. If you agree, I'll go and arrange it
myself, so as not to hurt her feelings."

That would be indeed revenge on Elaine! To buy back Clifford for a
paltry four pounds a week--to have the delicate pleasure of doling out
the money in the role of Lady Bountiful! She had a mental vision of the
sweet little letters she could write to Elaine when she enclosed the
monthly cheque--letters so sweet that they would sear.

But Riviere answered abruptly: "What did Miss Verney say to you to make
such a complete change in your attitude towards her?"

"We chatted together this afternoon and came to realise one another's
point of view--that was all. It was perfectly natural. A blind girl ...
helpless ... without resources of her own.... Do you think I'm flint?"

"Then she made some appeal to you?"

"Clifford, dear, I don't think you and I ought to discuss what passed
between Miss Verney and myself in the sick-room this afternoon. Some
things are sacred."

"I must know this: did she suggest the idea of the allowance or did
you?"

Olive hesitated as to how she should answer that question. It was very
tempting to say that Elaine had suggested it--but decidedly risky.
Riviere might ask the girl point-blank. It was better to be prudent in
this game of strategy, and accordingly she replied:

"I don't think you ought to ask me that question."

"I must see Miss Verney at once," said Riviere decisively.

"But we must think of her feelings. She's very sensitive, very
highly-strung. Wouldn't it be kinder to let _me_ arrange it?"

"I don't think so."

"I ask you this for her sake!"

"Still, I must see her at once."

"As your wife, I ask you to let me end the matter once and for all.
Clifford dear, I must speak out frankly, though I hate to have to do it.
Listen to me quietly while I try to put the situation to you in the
proper light.... You're in love with Miss Verney--I know it. It's hard
for you to have to cut loose--very hard. But for her sake you _must_ cut
loose. _Now, at once._ Matters can't go on as they are. I know perfectly
well that the relations between you are absolutely innocent--I haven't a
word to breathe against her character now that I've seen her and really
know her. But things can't go on as they are. You must put yourself
aside and consider her alone. You must think of her reputation. People
will begin to talk."

"What people?" asked Riviere uneasily.

"At the nursing home I ca