Mme. Petrovskey smoothed her silken lap, as a cat smoothes its fur. "There is a man in Claire's life, Alexis." "I don't believe you!" She nodded ponderously. "She is out with him now." "Oh, you mean the doctor?" There was comical relief in his voice. "What harm is there in that?" "Much harm could be construed from it. Besides, the man is in love with her." Alexis stared. The idea of any one being in love with Claire seemed both preposterous and impertinent. "What makes you think so?" "He is here almost every day. They go out together at least one night a week." "He is probably sorry for her, or lonesome, or both! You're not trying to insinuate there is anything wrong!" The male's hatred of being betrayed, even when it affords him a loophole for escape rang in his voice. "One must avoid the appearance of evil," she said sanctimoniously. "Nonsense. What are you driving at? If you don't approve of what they are doing, why do you permit it, as Claire is presumably under your protection?" "Sometimes it is better to let matters run their course." She fixed her eyes upon him cunningly. A flicker of comprehension twisted his features. "So you were willing to abet them?" he retorted with contempt. "'Adultery made easy for beginners,' or 'Homely Hints from a Fond Mother-in-law!' Oh, this is detestable! I am going!" He flung his hair out of his eyes and started towards the hall. "I merely tried to help you," she followed him with ponderous lightness. "You may be sorry that you didn't take advantage of my advice." He started to put on his coat. "But I don't believe any of this, mother. It is all such utter rot. Claire is incapable of such a thing." "Perhaps she is, and perhaps she isn't! At any rate, how could she prove her innocence?" She laid a heavy hand upon Alexis's arm. He shrank away. "Do you imagine I would ruin an innocent woman? What kind of a man do you think I am?" She shrugged fat shoulders. "Not if it were avoidable, of course. But how do you know she is innocent? She has had every opportunity to deceive you. A lonely woman will do desperate things, Alexis. Love is a great temptation to a girl like Claire, and half a loaf is better than none!" "But Claire! I can't imagine Claire being unfaithful. She is the most loyal creature alive." "She may be loyal, but she is also passionate. You at least should retain some memory of that." The innocent eyes concealed amusement. He flushed. The memory of Claire's surrenders was like a vague but abject nightmare. Yes, the girl possessed a lurid kind of passivity, a submission as unlike Anne's goddess-like generosity as night from day. Mme. Petrovskey pursued her advantage. "It remains to be seen which of the two traits is the stronger." "I believe I know. It would take Claire's own words to convince me to the contrary." But his manner was less ironical, almost receptive.