you have told me this. Later you'll understand why. I think the whole thing can be explained, but for your explanation I prefer you should go to Eric. It concerns him the most."
She would hear no more of it. There was something indecent in Louise's willingness to forgive. While they talked of other things her indignation grew. Eric's wife wanted to believe the worst of him. By the time her visitor was ready to go, she found it difficult to be polite.
"I am delighted to see you looking so much better, and so much more cheerful," she told her, as she said good-by. "And should there prove to be nothing in this story, don't be disheartened. You mustn't let one disappointment discourage you."
Louise, wondering what she meant, kissed her mechanically.
"Good-by. I'll come and see you again in a few days if I may."
"Do. I shall expect really good news from you then."
When the door had closed on her, Madame Claire sat looking into the fire with a flush on her cheeks. Presently she took from a bowl on the table beside her a few violets, and after wiping their stems, tucked them into her dress.
