“There is great good sometimes, I think,” said she, “in people remaining apart and not seeing each other.  Sir Hugh Clavering has not quarrelled with me, that I am aware.  Indeed, since my marriage there have been no means of quarrelling between us.  But I think it quite as well that he and I should not come together.”

“But he particularly wants you to go to Clavering.”

“Has he sent you here as his messenger?”

“Sent me! oh dear no; nothing of that sort.  I have come altogether on my own hook.  If Hugh wants a messenger he must find some one else.  But you and I were always friends you know”—­at this assertion she opened her large eyes widely, and simply smiled—­“and I thought that perhaps you might be glad to see me if I called.  That was all.”

“You are very good, Captain Clavering.”

“I couldn’t bear to think that you should be here in London, and that one shouldn’t see anything of you or know anything about you.  Tell me now; is there anything I can do for you?  Do you want anybody to settle anything for you in the city?”

“I think not, Captain Clavering; thank you very much.”

“Because I should be so happy; I should indeed.  There’s nothing I should like so much as to make myself useful in some way.  Isn’t there anything now?  There must be so much to be looked after—­about money and all that.”

“My lawyer does all that, Captain Clavering.”

“Those fellows are such harpies.  There is no end to their charges; and all for doing things that would only be a pleasure to me.”

“I’m afraid I can’t employ you in any matter that would suit your tastes.”

“Can’t you indeed, now?” Then again there was a silence, and Captain Clavering was beginning to think that he must go.  He was willing to work hard at talking or anything else; but he could not work if no ground for starting were allowed to him.  He thought he must go, though he was aware that he had not made even the slightest preparation for future obedience to his friend’s precepts.  He began to feel that he had commenced wrongly.  He should have made her know that he was there from the first moment of her entrance into the room.  He must retreat now in order that he might advance with more force on the next occasion.  He had just made up his mind to this and was doubting how he might best get himself out of his chair with the purpose of going, when sudden relief came in the shape of another visitor.  The door was thrown open and Madam Gordeloup was announced.

“Well, my angel,” said the little woman, running up to her friend and kissing her on either side of her face.  Then she turned round as though she had only just seen the strange gentleman, and curtseyed to him.  Captain Clavering, holding his hat in both his hands, bowed to the little woman.

“My sister’s brother-in-law, Captain Clavering,” said Lady Ongar.  “Madam Gordeloup.”

Captain Clavering bowed again.  “Ah, Sir Oo’s brother,” said Madam Gordeloup.  “I am very glad to see Captain Clavering; and is your sister come?”