And all because--what do you think? Because his father
and mother forgot the marriage ceremony."
The other was amused, and at the same time surprised. It was the
first time that Miss Derwent, in their talk, had allowed herself a
remark suggestive of what is called "emancipation." She would talk
with freedom of almost any subject save that specifically forbidden
to English girls. Helen Borisoff, whose finger showed a wedding
ring, had respected this reticence, but it delighted her to see a
new side of her friend's attractive personality.
"I suppose in certain circles"--she began.
"Oh yes! Shopkeepers and clerks and so on. But the book is supposed
to deal with civilised people. It really made me angry!"
Mrs. Borisoff regarded her with amused curiosity. Their eyes met.
Irene nodded.
"Yes," she continued, as if answering a question, "I know someone in
just that position. And all at once it struck me--I had hardly
thought of it before--what an idiot I should be if I let it affect
my feelings or behaviour!"
"I think no one would have suspected you of such narrowness."
"Indeed I hope not!--Have you done your letters? Do come up and
watch Mrs. Smithson playing at quoits--a sight to rout the brood
of cares!"
In the smoking-room on deck sat Dr. Derwent and Arnold Jacks,
conversing gravely, with subdued voices. The Doctor had a smile on
his meditative features; his eyes were cast down he looked a trifle
embarrassed.
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