’But it does.  To have been concerned in so terrible a tragedy takes more of life out of one than ten years of tranquil existence.’  As she had told him nothing of her intercourse with Bangles—­with Bangles who had literally picked the poor wretch up—­he did not see how she herself had been concerned in the matter; but he said nothing about that, knowing the character of Madalina.  ’I shall see—­that—­body, floating before my eyes while I live,’ she said, ‘and the gory wound, and—­and—­’ ‘Don’t,’ said Johnny, recoiling in truth from the picture by which he was revolted.  ‘Never again,’ she said, ’never again!  But you forced it from me, and now I shall not close my eyes for a week.’

She then became very comfortably confidential, and discussed the affairs of poor Mrs Dobbs Broughton with a great deal of satisfaction.  ’I went to see her, of course, but she sent me down word to say that the shock would be too much for her.  I do not wonder that she should not see me.  Poor Maria!  She came to me for advice, you know, when Dobbs Broughton first proposed to her; and I was obliged to tell her what I really thought.  I knew her character well?  “Dear Maria,” I said, “if you think that you can love him, take him!” “I think I can,” she replied.  “But,” said I, “make yourself quite sure about the business.”  And how has it turned out?  She never loved him.  What heart she has she has given to that wretched Dalrymple.’

‘I don’t see that he is particularly wretched,’ said Johnny, pleading for his friend.

’He is wretched, and so you’ll find.  She gave him her heart after giving her hand to poor Dobbs; and as for the business, there isn’t as much left as will pay for her mourning.  I don’t wonder that she could not bring herself to see me.’

‘And what has become of the business?’

’It belongs to Mrs Van Siever—­to her and Musselboro.  Poor Broughton had some little money, and it has gone among them.  Musselboro, who never had a penny, will be a rich man.  Of course you know that he is going to marry Clara?’

‘Nonsense!’

’I always told you that it would be so.  And now you may perhaps acknowledge that Conway Dalrymple’s prospects are not very brilliant.  I hope he likes being cut out by Mr Musselboro!  Of course he will have to marry Maria.  I do not see how he can escape.  Indeed, she is too good for him;—­only after such a marriage as that, there would be an end to all his prospects as an artist.  The best thing for them would be to go to New Zealand.’

John Eames certainly liked these evenings with Miss Demolines.  He sat at his ease in a comfortable chair, and amused himself by watching her different little plots.  And then she had bright eyes, and she flattered him, and allowed him to scold her occasionally.  And now and again there might be some more attraction, when she would admit him to take her hand—­or the like.  It was better than to sit smoking with men at his club.  But he could not sit up all night even with Madalina Demolines, and at eleven he got up to take his leave.  ’When shall you see Miss Dale?’ she asked him suddenly.