"But this is unbearable!" said Aldous.

"Do you mean to say that she is at home and that she will not see me ?" Mrs.Boyce's self-possession was shaken for once by the flushed humiliation of the man before her.
"I am afraid it is so," she said hurriedly.

"I remonstrated with Marcella, but I could do nothing.

I think, if you are wise, you will not for the present attempt to see her." Aldous sat down, with his hat in his hand, staring at the floor.

After a few moments' silence he looked up again.
"And she gave you no message for me ?" "No," said Mrs.Boyce, reluctantly.