“Chut, child! Nawnsnse!” exclaimed Mrs. Crawford, with benevolent intolerance. “You go right back to your husband. I spose youve had a rumpus with him; but you mustnt mind that. All men are a bit selfish; and I should say from what I have seen of him that he is no exception to the rule. But you cant have perfection. He’s a fine handsome fellow; and he knows it. And, as for you, I dont know what they reckon you in England; but youre the best-looking woman in Noo York: thats surtn. It’s a pity for such a pair to fall out.” “He is not selfish,” said Marian. “You never saw him. I am afraid I must shock you, Mrs. Crawford. Mr. Forster is not my husband.” “No! Do! Did you ever tell the General that?” “General Crawford! Oh, no.” “Think of that man being cuter than me, a woman! He always said so. And the grit you must have, to tell it out as cool as that! Well! I’m sorry to hear it though, Mrs. Forster. It’s a bad account—a very bad one. But if I take what you said just now rightly, youre married.” “I am. I have deserted a very good husband.” “It’s a pity you didnt find that out a little sooner, isnt it?” “I know, Mrs. Crawford. I thought I was acting for the best.” “Thought you were acting for the best in running away from a good husband! Well, you British aristocrats are singular. You throw stones at us because our women are so free and our divorces so easy. Yet youre always scandlizing us; and now _you_ tell me youve done it on morl grounds! Who educated you, child? And what do you intend to do now?” “For the present, only to get a lodging. Will you tell me where I should look for one? I dont know the east from the west end of this town; and I am so inexperienced that I might make a mistake easily as to the character of the places. Will you direct me to some street or quarter in which I should he likely to find suitable rooms? I can live very economically.” “I dont know what to do,” said Mrs. Crawford, perplexedly, turning her rings on her fingers. “You ought to be ashamed of yourself. And you so pretty!” “Perhaps you would rather not assist me. You may tell me so candidly. I shall not be offended.” “You mustnt take me up like that. I must have a talk with the General about you. I dont feel like letting you go into some ordinary place by yourself. But I cant ask you to stay here without consulting——” “Oh, no, you must not think of any such thing: I must begin to face the world alone at once. I assure you, Mrs. Crawford, I could not come here. I should only keep your friends away.” “But nobody knows you.” “Sooner or later I should meet someone who does. There are hundreds of people who know me by sight, who travel every year. Besides, my case is a very public one, unfortunately. May I take you into my confidence?” “If you wish, my dear. I dont ask you for it; but I will take it kindly.” “I know you will. You must have heard all about me. Mr. Forster’s real name is Douglas.”