You have had experience of the world.
Suppose you were shut out from Eustace's confidence, as I am?
Suppose you were as fond of him as I am, and felt your position as bitterly as I feel it--what would you do ?" The question was plain.

Benjamin met it with a plain answer.
"I think I should find my way, my dear, to some intimate friend of your husband's," he said, "and make a few discreet inquiries in that quarter first." Some intimate friend of my husband's?
I considered with myself.

There was but one friend of his whom I knew of--my uncle's correspondent, Major Fitz-David.

My heart beat fast as the name recurred to my memory.
Suppose I followed Benjamin's advice?
Suppose I applied to Major Fitz-David?
Even if he, too, refused to answer my questions, my position would not be more helpless than it was now.

I determined to make the attempt.