A call at the Colebrook's in the afternoon or evening had become a
regular practice since Christina had stayed with her. Evie had very
carefully avoided being at home when Beryl called.
"I'm sorry I don't like your aristocratic friend, and I know it is a
great comfort to have somebody to speak to, about poor Mr. Sault, but
I simply can't stand her, Ronnie says that he quite understands my
dislike. Christina, do you think Miss Merville is a--you won't be
offended, will you? Do you think she is a good girl?"
"Good? Do you mean, does she go to church?"
"Don't be silly. Do you think she is a--virtuous girl? Ronnie says
that some of these society women are awfully fast. He says it
wouldn't be so bad if there was love in it, because love excuses
everything, and the real wicked people are those who marry for money."
"Like Beryl," said Christina, "and love may excuse everything--like
you--he hopes."
Evie sighed patiently.
"Do you know what I think about Ronnie?" asked Christina.
"I'm sure I don't want to know," snapped Evie, roused out of her
attitude of martyrdom.
"I think he is a damned villain!--shut up, I'm going to say it. I
think he is the very lowest blackguard that walks the earth! He is--"
But Evie had snatched up her coat and fled from the room.
Christina's orders from the osteopath were to go to bed early. She
was making extraordinary progress and had walked unassisted down the
stairs that very day--she was lying dressed on the bed when Beryl
arrived.
"I suppose you'll liken me to the squire's good wife visiting the
indigent sick," she said, "but I've brought a basket of things--fruit
mostly. Do you mind?"
"I've always wanted to meet Lady Bountiful," said Christina. "I
thought she never stepped from the Christmas magazine covers. Did
you meet Evie?"
"No, I thought she was out."
"She's hiding in the scullery," said Christina calmly.
"She doesn't like me. Ronnie, I suppose?"
Christina nodded. "Ronnie at first hand may be endurable: as
interpreted by Evie he is--there is only one word to describe him--I
promised mother that I would never use it again. Any news?"