'She knew there was nothing wrong.... But she accused me of kissing her husband; that was spite.' 'But it wasn't true?' 'No; certainly it wasn't true. I wonder you can ask me. But, after that, it was impossible for me to stay any longer in the house.' 'Where is Madame Delacour, is she with her husband?' 'No; she's separated from him. She's gone back to her own people. She lives with them somewhere in the south near Pau, I think.' 'She's not with Darres?' Mildred hesitated. 'No; she's not living with him; but I daresay they see each other occasionally.' 'They can't see each other very often if she's living near Pau, and he's editing a paper in Paris.' XX. One morning after breakfast Harold said as he rose from table, 'You must be very lonely here. Don't you think you would like some one to keep you company? Mrs. Fargus is in London; we might ask her, she'd be glad to come; you used to like her.' 'That's a long while ago. I don't think she'd amuse me now.' 'She'd talk about art, about things that interest you. I'm away all day, and when I come home in the evening I'm tired. I'm no society for you, I know that.' 'No, Harold, I assure you I'm all right; don't worry about me. I shouldn't care to have Mrs. Fargus here. If I did I'd say so. I know that you're anxious to please me. I like you better than any one else.' 'But I don't understand you, Mildred. We never did understand each other. Our tastes are so different,' he added hastily, lest his words might be construed into a reproach. 'Oh yes, we understand each other very well. I used to think we didn't.... I don't think there's anything in me that any one could not understand. I am afraid I'm a very ordinary person.' 'But I can see that you're bored. I don't mean that you show it. But it would be impossible otherwise, all alone in this house all day by yourself. You used to read a great deal. You never read now. Are there any books I can bring you from London? Do you want any paints, canvases? You haven't touched your paints since you've been back. You might have your drawing master here, you might go out painting with him. This is just the time of year.' 'I've given up painting. No, Harold, thank you all the same. I know I'm dull, cheerless; you mustn't mind me, it is only a fit of the blues; it will wear off. One of these days I shall be all right.' 'But do you mind my asking people to the house?' 'Not if it pleases you. But don't do so for me.' Harold looked at his watch. 'I must say good-bye now. I've only just time to catch the train.' That same evening brother and sister sat together in the library; neither had spoken for some time, and, coming at the end of a long silence, Mildred's voice sounded clear and distinct. 'Alfred Stanby called here to-day.' 'I wonder he did not call before.' There was a note of surprise in his voice which did not quite correspond with his words. 'Did he stay long?' 'He stayed for tea.'