Reluctantly Alma became seated, and the conversation was prolonged.  Without disguise they debated the probability that Redgrave was being estranged from Alma by Sibyl Carnaby; of course, taking for granted Sibyl’s guilt, and presuming that she feared rivalry.  From time to time Alma threw out scornful assertion of her own security; she was bold to the point of cynicism, and recklessly revealed herself.  The other listened attentively, still smiling, but without constraint upon her features; at moments she appeared to feel something of admiration.

‘There are several things in your favour,’ she remarked deliberately, when Alma had declared a resolve to triumph at all hazards.  ’Above all —­ but one need not mention it.’

‘What?  I don’t understand.’

’Oh, I’m sure you do!  You alluded to it the other day.  Some women have such tiresome husbands.’

The look which accompanied this struck Alma cold.  She sat motionless, staring at the speaker.

‘What do you mean?  You think that my husband ——?’

‘I meant only to encourage you, my dear.’

‘You think that my husband has less sense of honour than Mr. Carnaby?’

Mrs. Strangeways looked wonderingly at her.

’How strange you are!  Could I have dreamt of saying anything so ill-mannered?’

‘You implied it!’ exclaimed Alma, her voice thrilling on the note of indignation.  ’How dare you so insult me!  Is it possible that you have such thoughts?’

Overcome by what seemed to her the humour of the situation, Mrs Strangeways frankly laughed.

’I beg your pardon a thousand times, my dear Mrs. Rolfe!  I have misunderstood, I am afraid.  You are quite serious?  Yes, yes, there has been a misunderstanding.  Pray forgive me.’

Alma rose from her chair.  ’There has been a misunderstanding.  If you knew my husband —­ if you had once met him —­ such a thought could never have entered your mind.  You compare him to his disadvantage with Mr Carnaby?  What right have you to do that?  I believe in Mr. Carnaby’s honesty, and do you know why? —­ because he is my husband’s friend.  But for that, I should suspect him.’

‘My dear,’ replied Mrs. Strangeways, ’you are wonderful.  I prophesy great things for you.  I never in my life met so interesting a woman.’

‘You may be as sarcastic as you please,’ Alma retorted, in a low, passionate voice.  ‘I suppose you believe in no one?’

’I have said, dear, that I believe in you; and I shall think it the greatest misfortune if I lose your friendship for a mere indiscretion.  Indeed, I was only trying to understand you completely.’

‘You do —­ now.’