Then there occurred between them one of those little situations that were now so frequent. Rachel was hurt, but was determined to show nothing; Roddy knew that she was hurt, but was quite unable to improve relations, partly because he had no words, partly because "a feller looks such a fool tryin' to explain," partly because there was in him a quality of sullen obstinacy that was mingled, most strangely, with his kindness and sentiment. He was absolutely ready to fling Nita and the Rockingtons into limbo, but he was quite unable to set about such a business. Moreover now there was Nita Raseley--It was at this moment that Jacob, having fought in the dark recesses of the sofa between his dislike of Roddy and his love of tea, declared for his stomach and walked slowly, and with the dignity required by the presence of an enemy, across the room. "Hullo! there's the mongrel--" Roddy endeavoured to cover earlier awkwardness by easy laughter, but the laughter was not easy and his attempt to pat Jacob was frustrated by a sidling movement on the dog's part. Then Nita Raseley laughed. Roddy now thought that women were damnable, that his wife had no right to drag a mongrel like that about with her, that he'd show them if they laughed at him, and that if Rachel couldn't come to-morrow, why then, she must just lump it--The last thought of all was that Rachel was always finding a grievance in something. He waited a little while, talked in a stiff and unnatural fashion and then went. "This weather _is_ very trying, dear, isn't it?" said Nita. "If I were you I really would go and lie down. You do look _so_ seedy!" "I think I will," said Rachel. As she went slowly upstairs to her room she knew that she would answer Francis Breton's letter. CHAPTER III FIRST SEQUEL TO DEFIANCE "He began to love her so soon, as he perceived that she was passing out of his control." JANE AUSTEN. I Next morning Rachel wrote the following letter to Francis Breton: "DEAR MR. BRETON, It was good of you to write to me and I must apologize for allowing your letter to remain so long unanswered, but, on my return from abroad, there were naturally a great many things to do and a great many people to see. My husband and I enjoyed our time abroad immensely: it was my first visit to Greece and Italy and I loved every bit of it--Athens is to me more wonderful than now, here so snugly in England, seems possible; Florence and Rome very beautiful of course but spoilt, don't you think, by tourists and the modern Italian who has learnt American habits-- How is London? I've not yet had a good look at it since I came back, but we shall be coming up soon, I expect, and have taken a flat in Elliston Square, between Portland Place and Byranston Square.