"No man," she said, still with an unsteady voice, "is bound to carry out a promise made in a reckless moment, against his better judgment, a promise which involves the usefulness of his life. As to Belinda, I suppose I must endure the presence of that woman next week; I must endure it, because I hadn't the sense--the foresight--to prevent her putting a foot in this house." The Warden's face twitched. "Am I expecting too much from you, Lena?" he asked. "Expecting too much!" Lady Dashwood made her way blindly to the door. "I have wrecked your life by sheer stupidity, and I am well punished." At the door she stayed. "Of course, Jim, I shall now back you up, through thick and thin." She went out and stood for a moment, her head throbbing. She had said all. She had spoken as she had never spoken in her life before, she had said her last word. Now she must be silent and go through with it all unless--unless--something happened--unless some merciful accident happened to prevent it. She went downstairs again and crossed the hall to the door of the breakfast-room. May was still there, holding a newspaper in her hands, apparently reading it. Lady Dashwood walked straight in, and then said quietly: "They are practically engaged." She saw the paper in May's hand quiver. "Yes," said May, without moving her paper. "Of course." Her voice sounded small and hard. Lady Dashwood moved about as if to arrange something, and then stood at the dull little window looking out miserably, seeing nothing. "I wonder--I hope, you won't be vexed with me. Aunt Lena," began May. "You won't be angry----" "I couldn't be angry with you," said Lady Dashwood briefly, "but----" She did not move, she kept her back to her niece. "I want you to let me go away rather earlier than Monday," said May, and speaking without looking towards her aunt. "I think I ought to go. The fact is----" Lady Dashwood turned round and came to her niece. "Do you think I am a selfish woman?" she asked. There was a strange note of purpose in her voice. May shook her head and tried to smile. She did smile at last. "Then, May," said Lady Dashwood, "I am going to be selfish now. I ask you to stop till Monday, and help me to get through what I have to get through, even if you stay at some sacrifice to yourself. Jim has decided, so I must support him. That's clear." May stared hard at the paper that was still in her hand, though she had ceased to read it. "As you wish, dear aunt," she said, and turned away.