ing that she
was utterly incapable of behaving properly in such an emergency. She
knew that she blushed up to the roots of her hair. She got up from her
seat as she heard the name announced, and then seated herself again
before her visitor had entered the room. She did resolve that nothing
on earth should induce her to shake hands with the woman. "My dear Lady
George," said Mrs. Houghton, hurrying across the room, "I hope you will
let me explain." She had half put out her hand, but had done so in a
manner which allowed her to withdraw it without seeming to have had her
overture refused.

"I do not know that there is anything to explain," said Mary.

"You will let me sit down?" Mary longed to refuse; but, not quite
daring to do so, simply bowed,--upon which Mrs. Houghton did sit down.
"You are very angry with me, it seems?"

"Well;--yes, I am."

"And yet what harm have I done you?"

"None in the least--none at all. I never thought that you could do me
any harm."

"Is it wise, Lady George, to give importance to a little trifle?"

"I don't know what you call a trifle."

"I had known him before you did; and, though it had not suited me to
become his wife, I had always liked him. Then the intimacy sprang up
again; but what did it amount to? I believe you read some foolish
letter?"

"I did read a letter, and I was perfectly sure that my husband had done
nothing, I will not say to justify, but even to excuse the writing of
it. I am quite aware, Mrs. Houghton, that it was all on one side."

"Did he say so?"

"You must excuse me if I decline altogether to tell you what he said."

"I am sure he did not say that. But what is the use of talking of it
all. Is it necessary, Lady George, that you and I should quarrel about
such a thing as that?"

"Quite necessary, Mrs. Houghton."

"Then you must be very fond of quarrelling."

"I never quarrelled with anybody else in my life."

"When you remember how near we are to each other in the country----. I
will apologise if you wish it."

"I will remember nothing, and I want no apology. To tell you the truth,
I really think that you ought not to have come here."

"It is childish, Lady George, to make so much of it."

"It may be nothing to you. It is a great deal to me. You must excuse me
if I say that I really cannot talk to you any more." Then she got up
and walked out of the room, leaving Mrs. Houghton among her treasures.
In the dining-room she rang the bell and told