"Tell me exactly what she said." And when I hesitated,
she insisted. "I particularly want to know."

"You know the way people talk. She's not very reliable, is
she? She said your husband had left you."

"Is that all?"

I did not choose to repeat Rose Waterford's parting reference
to a girl from a tea-shop. I lied.

"She didn't say anything about his going with anyone?"

"No."

"That's all I wanted to know."

I was a little puzzled, but at all events I understood that I
might now take my leave. When I shook hands with Mrs.
Strickland I told her that if I could be of any use to her I
should be very glad. She smiled wanly.

"Thank you so much. I don't know that anybody can do anything
for me."

Too shy to express my sympathy, I turned to say good-bye to
the Colonel. He did not take my hand.

"I'm just coming. If you're walking up Victoria Street,