How astonishing it now seemed to her that she could have accepted such shallow explanations of Redgrave’s partnership with Hugh Carnaby!  Why, Harvey himself, least suspicious of men, was perplexed, and avowed his inability to understand it.  As for Mrs. Strangeways —­ a woman of the world, if there was one —­ the fact had but to be mentioned to her, and on the moment she saw its meaning.  No wonder the matter had been kept so quiet.  But for the honesty of the duped husband no one at all would have heard of it.

Arriving at the house a little before her time, she found her hostess a prey to vexation.

’My dear, he can’t come.  It’s most annoying.  Only an hour ago I had a telegram —­ look ——­’

The despatch was from Coventry:  ’Don’t expect me.  Detained on business.  Redgrave.’  It rustled in Alma’s hand, and she had much ado to keep herself from tears of angry chagrin.

‘He had promised to be here,’ went on Mrs. Strangeways.  ’I thought nothing would have kept him away.’

‘Do you mean,’ asked Alma bluntly, ‘that he knew I was coming?’

’I had said that I half expected you.  Don’t be vexed, dear.  I did so wish you to meet.’

‘If he’s at Coventry,’ Alma continued, ‘it must be on that business.’

’It seems likely.  Do sit down.  You still look anything but yourself.  Pray, pray remember that you have only a day or two ——­’

‘Don’t worry me, please,’ said Alma, with a contemptuous gesture.

She had thrown off reserve, caring only, now the first step was taken, to make all possible use of this woman whom she detested.  Her voice showed the change that had been wrought in her; she addressed her hostess almost as though speaking to an inferior.

‘What do you think it means, his keeping away?’

‘Business, possibly.  More likely —­ the other thing I spoke of.’

In this reply Mrs. Strangeways modified her tone, discarding mellifluous tenderness, yet not going quite so far as Alma in neglect of appearances.  She was an older woman, and had learnt the injudiciousness of impulsive behaviour.

’Speak plainly —­ it saves time.  You think he won’t care to meet me at all again?’

’I don’t say that.  I should be very sorry indeed to think it.  But —­ to speak as plainly as you wish, dear —­ I know that someone must have said unpleasant things to him about your —­ your friendship with Mr. Dymes.’

‘Are you hinting at anyone in particular?’ Alma asked, salving her self-respect with a poor affectation of haughtiness.

’Ask yourself, my dear, who is at all likely to give him such information.’

‘Information?’ Alma’s eyes flashed.  ’That’s a strange word to use.  Do you imagine there is any information of that kind to be given?’

‘I spoke carelessly,’ answered the other, smiling.  ’Do sit down, dear Mrs. Rolfe.  I’m sure you will overtax your strength before Tuesday.  I meant nothing whatever, I assure you.’