“Oh, I know _that_!” And again Carol’s instant comprehension of all that Laura was not herself sure she meant, was disconcerting. “But—” she hesitated; then, rapidly, not looking at Laura, “but Johnnie’s brother hasn’t much use for Johnnie’s wife, if you want to know—and he doesn’t care who knows it.” “That’s not true,” Laura’s head went up. How dare Coral—Coral!—criticize Justin? “It’s perfectly true.” Coral eyed her steadily. “You’ve no right to say such a beastly thing about him. I won’t allow it.” “All right, dearie. Have it your own way. But it’s true, and you know it’s true, else you wouldn’t be so hopping mad.” “Now listen to me, Coral,” Laura tried to be calm and forbearing. “I’m not angry with you. I only want you to understand. You’re unjust. You don’t know how good Justin is. It’s dreadful to accuse him of—of——” she hesitated. Then she tried again. “Oh, surely,” she protested, “you know his little ways by now.” “Oh, I know ’em,” Coral laughed. “Yes, but you’ve no right to laugh like that.” Then, disarmingly, “Oh, I understand, of course. But Justin—he hasn’t the faintest idea that he isn’t always nice to you. He’d be horrified. He’d be hurt. Because I know he tries to be jolly to you in his own way.” “Isn’t it kind of him?” said Coral. Laura stamped. “I won’t talk to you. You’re impossible. Just because he’s not a man of words! You wait till you’re in a hole, that’s all, then you’ll see.” Coral turned on her fiercely. “Well, I am in a hole. And I have seen.” Laura stared. There were actually tears in Coral’s expressionless eyes as she launched into passionate speech. “Oh, Laura, Laura, it’s such a chance! Didn’t you hear him the other night, talking about Willy—Mr. Wilbraham—as if they were pals?” “That funny little actor man? Oh, yes, he’s been here often. Justin and he were at college together.” “Willy!” Coral swept on unheeding. “I couldn’t believe my ears. Willy! He runs half the shows in London. Why—why—you’re made if he takes you. Think of it! To get into London! To get one’s chance!” She began to walk up and down the room. “I—I can’t stick here, you know. Grannie knows too. I’ve scared Brackenhurst already. And there’s the child. Don’t I know what’ll happen? Can’t I see it happening? Do you think I don’t hear you all, petting him and curing his accent, and teaching him your ways? He’ll be correcting me in a year or two—my own son! Oh, I know what’s good for him. Grannie and Justin will send him to school. It’s his right. I shan’t stand in his light. But I can’t sit here and watch it. Besides, I must act. I love it. I love my job. It’s meat and drink to me. And Justin comes so superior and talks at me in Johnnie’s voice, talks about settling me comfortably. I don’t want his damned allowance!” “Coral, Coral!” Laura caught at the working fingers.