She flung herself on the prim little sofa, and stared at the closed door uncertainly. She was too proud to do what she wanted to do--invade the kitchen, and regardless of Roger's eyes and presence, confess to Elsbeth, and receive absolution. A word, she knew, would be enough.... If Elsbeth felt as miserable as she did--a word would be more than enough.... Elsbeth and Roger, returning to the sitting-room, ended her indecision. Their manner had changed--Roger was quieter--less talkative--but Elsbeth was so radiant that Alwynne decided that contrition could wait. More than ever she realised that two were company.... Her anger grew again as she watched and listened. Elsbeth had produced cards, and suggested three-handed bridge. Alwynne excused herself, and Roger, who had been her partner on occasion at Dene, was obviously relieved. His Alwynne was the One Woman--but she could not play bridge! He settled down to double-dummy with Elsbeth. The conversation became a rapt and technical duet, punctuated with interminable pauses. Alwynne fumed. So this was Elsbeth's idea of a really pleasant evening! Cards! Beastly, idiotic cards! Roger, her Roger, had come up all the way from Dene to play cards with Elsbeth! Had he just? All right then! He should have all the cards he wanted--and more! As for Elsbeth--catch Alwynne telling her she was sorry now! The striking of the clock gave her her opportunity. She rose, yawning elaborately. "I'm going to bed," she remarked to the card-table. "Are you, dear?" said Elsbeth. "Oh! Oh, good-night," said Roger casually rising, and sitting down again. "Your shout, Elsbeth." Elsbeth went "no trumps." Alwynne lingered. "Of course the kitchen fire's out?" she said, with sour suggestiveness. "Do you want a bath? Yes, of course. Do you know, my dear, you're looking rather grubby?" Elsbeth paid her sweetly. "I expect the water will still be hot, if you're quick. Don't forget to turn the light off, will you, when you've finished?" Alwynne made no answer, but she still lingered. Elsbeth, finishing her hand, spoke over her shoulder-- "Alwynne, dear, either go out, or come in and sit down. There's such a draught." There was a swish of skirts, and all the innumerable ornaments rattled on their shelves. Alwynne had permitted herself the luxury of banging the door. Roger laughed like a schoolboy. "'All is not well!'" he quoted. Elsbeth laughed too, yet half against her will. "My poor Alwynne! She hates me to be annoyed with her. It infuriates her. She'll be awfully penitent to-morrow. It's really rather comical, you know. She'll take criticism from any one else--but I must approve implicitly! And you being here didn't improve matters. She was longing to be nice, and I didn't help her. She was quite aware that she was showing you her worst side, and quite unable to get out of the mood. I knew, bless her heart!" She looked at him with a quick little gesture of appeal.