She was not aware how Lady Maria's suggestions had "sunk in." She would probably have reached the same conclusion without their having been made, but since they had been made, they had assisted her. There was one thing of all others she felt she could not possibly bear, which was to realise that she herself could bring to her James's face an expression she had once or twice seen others bring there (Captain Osborn notably),--an expression of silent boredom on the verge of irritation. Even radiant domestic joy might not be able to overrule this, if just at this particular juncture he found himself placed in the position of a man whom decency compelled to take the next steamer to England. If she had felt tenderly towards Hester Osborn before, the feeling was now increased tenfold. She went to see her oftener, she began to try to persuade her to come and stay at Palstrey. She was all the more kind because Hester seemed less well, and was in desperate ill spirits. Her small face had grown thin and yellow, she had dark rings under her eyes, and her little hands were hot and looked like bird's claws. She did not sleep and had lost her appetite. "You must come and stay at Palstrey for a few days," Emily said to her. "The mere change from one house to another may make you sleep better." But Hester was not inclined to avail herself of the invitation. She made obstacles and delayed acceptance for one reason and another. She was, in fact, all the more reluctant because her husband wished her to make the visit. Their opposed opinions had resulted in one of their scenes. "I won't go," she had said at first. "I tell you I won't." "You will," he answered. "It will be better for you." "Will it be worse for me if I don't?" she laughed feverishly. "And how will it be better for you if I do? I know you are in it." He lost his temper and was indiscreet, as his temper continually betrayed him into being. "Yes, I am in it," he said through his teeth, "as you might have the sense to see. Everything is the better for us that throws us with them, and makes them familiar with the thought of us and our rights." "Our rights," the words were a shrill taunt. "What rights have you, likely to be recognised, unless you kill her. Are you going to kill her?" He had a moment of insanity. "I'd kill her and you too if it was safe to do it. You both deserve it!" He flung across the room, having lost his wits as well as his temper. But a second later both came back to him as in a revulsion of feeling.