No music. Alma would have doubted whether any of these people were aware of her claim to distinction, had not a lady who talked with her after dinner hinted, rather than announced, an intention of being present at Prince's Hall next Tuesday. None of the fuss and adulation to which she was grown accustomed; no underbred compliments; no ambiguous glances from men. It angered her to observe that Harvey did not seem at all wearied; that he conversed more naturally than usual in a mixed company, especially with the hostess. One whisper--and how would Harvey look upon his friend's wife? But the moment had not come. She left as early as possible, parting from Sibyl as she had met her, with eyes that scarce dissembled their malignity. When Hugh and his wife were left together, Sibyl abstained from remark on Alma; it was Carnaby who introduced the subject. 'Don't you think Mrs. Rolfe looked seedy?' 'Work and excitement,' was the quiet answer. 'I think it more than likely she will break down.' 'It's a confounded pity. Why, she has grown old all at once. She's losing her good looks. Did you notice that her eyes were a little bloodshot?' 'Yes, I noticed it. I didn't like her look at all.' Hugh, as his custom was, paced the floor. Nowadays he could not keep still, and he had contracted an odd habit of swinging his right arm, with fist clenched, as though relieving his muscles after some unusual constraint. 'By Jove, Sibyl, when I compare her with you!--I feel sorry for Rolfe; can't help it. Why didn't you stop this silly business before it went so far?' 'That's a characteristic question, dear boy,' Sibyl replied merrily. 'There are more things in life--particularly woman's life--than your philosophy ever dreamt of. Alma has quite outgrown me, and I begin to suspect that she won't honour me with her acquaintance much longer.' 'Why?' 'For one thing, we belong to different worlds, don't you see; and the difference, in future, will be rather considerable.' 'Well, I'm sorry. Rolfe isn't half the man he was. Why on earth didn't _he_ stop it? He hates it, anyone can see. Why, if I were in his place----' Sibyl interrupted with her mellow laughter. 'You wouldn't be a bit wiser. It's the fate of men--except those who have the courage to beat their wives. You know you came back to England at my heels when you didn't want to. Now, a little energy, a little practice with the horsewhip----' Carnaby made pretence of laughing. But he turned away his face; the jest had too serious an application. Yes, yes, if he had disregarded Sibyl's wishes, and stayed on the other side of the world! It seemed to him strange that she could speak of the subject so lightly; he must have been more successful than he thought in concealing his true state of mind. 'Rolfe tells me he has got a house at Gunnersbury.' 'Yes; he mentioned it to me. Why Gunnersbury? There must be some reason they don't tell us.' 'Ask his wife,' said Hugh, impatiently. 'No doubt the choice is hers.'