The violin had remained locked in its case during these last two months.

Durrance had come to look upon that violin as a gauge and test.

If the world was going well with Ethne, the case was unlocked, the instrument was allowed to speak; if the world went ill, it was kept silent lest it should say too much, and open old wounds and lay them bare to other eyes.

Ethne herself knew it for an indiscreet friend.

But it was to be brought out to-night.
Mrs.Adair lingered until Ethne was out of ear-shot.
"You have noticed the change in her to-night ?" she said.
"Yes.