"You're malicious--and you outrage proper feeling. At the club really, Christine. He feels a bit lost, I fancy. I think it rather depends on somebody else now. He's a weak chap, poor old Tom." "You're full of discoveries about people to-day. Any other news?" "No, none." "But, you see, I've heard from Janet Selford!" "Will you consider my remarks about your remarks as repeated--with more emphasis?" "Oh, yes, I will! You're talking more as you used to before you were married." "That's a compliment? I expect so--coming from a woman. Christine, have you read Sibylla Janet Selford's letter?" "Parts of it." "I wish you hadn't. I didn't want her to know. I saw the fellow there--with Anna." "Anna's a very clever girl. She does me great credit." "I should wait a bit to claim it, if I were you. I'm sorry you told Sibylla." "If you're going to be generous as well as patient, there's an end of any chance of your turning human, Grantley." "You're quite good company to-day." "I'm always ready to be; but one can't manage it without some help." "Which you haven't found in my house?" "Yes, I have--since you went away." But she said it this time in a different way, with a hint, perhaps an appeal, in her upturned eyes, and the slightest touch of her hand on his sleeve--almost like the delicate soft pat of a kitten's paw, as quick, as timid, and as venturous. Grantley turned his head to look at her. Her eyes were bright and eager. "We've actually begun to be pleasant," he said, smiling. "Yes, almost to enjoy ourselves. Wonderful! But we're not at the house yet!" "Not quite!" he said. His face set again in firm lines. "You'd so much better not look so serious about it. That's as bad as your old County Council!" "Are you quite sure you understand the case?" "Meaning the woman? Oh, no! She's difficult. But I understand that, when one thing's failed utterly, you don't risk much by trying another." They came to the top of the hill which runs down to Milldean. Christine sighed. "Poor old Harriet! She was a jolly girl once, you know, and so handsome! I've had some good times with Harriet. Do you think she's at peace, Grantley?" "She has paid," said he. "She has paid for what she was and did. I hope she's at peace." Christine's eyes grew dreamy; her voice fell to a gentle murmur. "I wonder if it's quite silly to fancy that she's paid something for some of us too, Grantley? I was thinking something like that--somehow--when I said, 'Poor old Harriet!'" "I daresay it's silly, but I don't know that it seems so to me," he answered. Just once again he felt the tiny velvety touch. So they came to Milldean.