‘We have been great fools,’ she said, alluding to their faith in Bennet Frothingham.

‘It’s certain that I have,’ replied her husband.  ’I oughtn’t to have let your mother have her way about that money.  If there had been a proper settlement, you would have run no risk.  Trustees couldn’t have allowed such an investment.’

The same day Sibyl bought a fur for her neck which cost fifteen guineas.  The weather was turning cold, and she had an account at the shop.

That afternoon, too, she went to see her mother, and on returning at six o’clock looked into the library, where Hugh sat by the fire, a book in his hand.  Carnaby found the days very long just now.  He shunned his clubs, the Metropolitan and the Ramblers’, because of a fear that his connection with the ‘Britannia’ was generally known; to hear talk on the subject would make him savage.  He was grievously perturbed in mind by his position and prospects; and want of exercise had begun to affect his health.  As always, he greeted his wife’s entrance with a smile, and rose to place a chair for her.

‘Thanks, I won’t sit down,’ said Sibyl.  ‘You look comfortable.’

‘Well?’

She looked at him reflectively, and said in balanced tones ——­

’I really think I can boast of having the most selfish mother in England.’

Hugh had his own opinion concerning Mrs. Ascott Larkfield, but would not have ventured to phrase it.

‘How’s that?’

’I never knew anyone who succeeded so well in thinking steadily and exclusively of herself.  It irritates me to see her since this affair; I shan’t go again.  I really didn’t know what a detestable temper she has.  Her talk is outrageous.  She doesn’t behave like a lady.  Could you believe that she has written a violent letter to Mrs. Frothingham —­ “speaking her mind”, as she says?  It’s disgraceful!’

’I’m sorry she has done that.  But it isn’t every one that can bear injury as you do, Sibyl.’

’I supposed she could behave herself.  She raises her voice, and uses outrageous words, and shows temper with the servants.  I wouldn’t spend a day in that house now on any account.  And, after all, I find she hasn’t lost much more than I have.  She will be able to count on six hundred a year at least.’

Carnaby received the news with a brightened visage.

‘Oh come!  That’s something.’

‘She took very good care, you see, not to risk everything herself.’

‘It’s possible,’ said Hugh, ‘that she hadn’t control of all her money.’

’Oh yes, she had.  She let that fact escape in her fury —­ congratulated herself on being so far prudent.  Really, I never knew a more hateful woman.’

It was said without vehemence, with none of that raising of the voice which so offended her:  a deliberate judgment, in carefully chosen words.  Hugh tried to smile, but could not quite command his features; they expressed an uneasy thoughtfulness.