It was not in him to resist the appealing of a pretty woman, and he had scarcely grasped the fact that he was a married man, his clandestine meetings with his wife having had, to this point, rather an air of adventure and irresponsibility.

It is hard to say what he might have done or left undone; but, as Sophie's face was within an inch of his own, the door of the room suddenly opened, and Christine appeared.

The indignation that had sent her back from mass to Ferrol was turned into another indignation now.
Sophie, frightened, turned round and met her infuriated look.

She did not move, however.
"Leave this room at once.

What do you want here ?" Christine said, between gasps of anger.
"The room is as much mine as yours," answered Sophie, sullenly.
"The man isn't," retorted Christine, with a vicious snap of her teeth.
"Come, come," said Ferrol, in a soothing tone, rising from the sofa and advancing.
"What's he to you ?" said Sophie, scornfully.
"My husband: that's all!" answered Christine.