It was an intimate, personal conference, wherein Stephanie recounted every material incident of the Amherst affair. She told her friend all, freely and without reserve: how the affair started; how it progressed; of Lorraine's indifference or blindness; how it culminated; where she and Amherst went; what they did; how they avoided their acquaintances; how she grew to hate Amherst; his brutalities and meannesses; their slow rupture; the final break; the return, with the episode of yesterday on the Club-house piazza, and her husband's refusal even to recognize her. "He wasn't altogether accountable, I fancy," said Gladys kindly. "He has had his trials too, Stephanie, you must remember." "I do remember--or I try to," Stephanie replied; "but I can never forget his conduct or his want of conduct--his stupidity and want of sight. He could have saved me, and he _didn't_." "Would you have given up Amherst, if Harry had demanded it of you?" "Yes--if he had _demanded it like a man_. If he had thrashed Amherst within an inch of his life, I think I should have adored him." "Instead, he did the usual thing--thought that his wife could be trusted, or he didn't perceive. In either of which events, I don't see that he is much to blame. Give Henry Lorraine his due, dear. He isn't much of a character possibly; he is irresolute and hesitating despite his size and appearance. Yet I had hoped that you would make it up--for your sake." "For my sake!" marvelled Stephanie. "It's a lot easier, you know," Gladys nodded, "to resume the old life, than to cut out a new one--now." "Perhaps so--but how long would the reconciliation last?" "Long enough for Society to forget the past. If the husband forgives, who else may say a word?" "It may be the way of expediency; it is not my way," answered Stephanie. "However, if Harry Lorraine had made the slightest sign of forgiveness--of recognition when he saw me--even if he had but bowed, it might be different. Now, I am done with him forever." "Don't you think you put him to a rather hard test?" asked Gladys. "Without a word of warning you encountered him on the Club-house piazza, before the assembled mob, and he--failed. Could you expect anything else from one of his character?"