The gloomy husband, more like a tyrant than ever, muttered incoherent phrases.

In a minute or two Everard freed himself and moved out of sight.
Monica turned from her husband and affected interest in the pictures.
They reached the end of the room before Widdowson spoke.
'How long do you want to stay here ?' 'I will go whenever you like,' she answered, without looking at him.
'I have no wish to spoil your pleasure.' 'Really, I have very little pleasure in anything.

Did you come to keep me in sight ?' 'I think we will go home now, and you can come another day.' Monica assented by closing her catalogue and walking on.
Without a word, they made the journey back to Herne Hill.

Widdowson shut himself in the library, and did not appear till dinner-time.

The meal was a pretence for both of them, and as soon as they could rise from the table they again parted.
About ten o'clock Monica was joined by her husband in the drawing-room.
'I have almost made up my mind,' he said, standing near her, 'to take a serious step.