She smiled as if some pleasant trifle were under discussion.
'I heard your voice as I came in,' she said to Mrs.Birks, bending towards her gracefully.

'Were you on my side ?' 'I'm afraid not, dear, just then,' was the reply, given in a corresponding tone of affectionateness.
'You will tell me what you were saying ?' Mr.Athel looked as uncomfortable as even an English gentleman can in such a situation.

Mrs.Baxendale seemed to be finding amusement in observing him.

The lady appealed to plucked for a moment at her sleeve.
'May I make a guess ?' Beatrice pursued.

'It had something to do with the private circumstances of the lady Mr.Wilfrid Athel has married ?' 'Yes, Beatrice, it had.' 'Then let me help you over that obstacle, dear Mrs.Birks.I have heard from herself a full explanation of what you are uneasy about, and if I were at liberty to repeat it you would know that she has been dreadfully unhappy and has endured things which would have killed most women, all because of her loyalty and purity of heart.