of the week. Of course Eric wrote to her that she wasn't to think of him, but that she must stay as long as she felt inclined."
"How that must have annoyed her! For what she wanted was to come home as a martyr before she was ready. What a woman! Don't you think it a miracle that Eric doesn't fall in love with some one else?"
Madame Claire shook her head.
"I doubt if he ever will. He finds consolation in his friends, and in his books, and in his work of course. Eric isn't a man who falls in love easily. And besides, I can't help thinking that he still has hopes of Louise."
"You think he still loves her?"
"Louise is his wife," answered Madame Claire, "and I believe that it hurts Eric intolerably to feel that the one person in the world who should be nearest to him, and who should understand him the best, deliberately keeps aloof. He feels he has failed—and Eric hates failure."
"If he has failed, it isn't his fault," said Judy. "It isn't for lack of trying. If he'd been just a nonentity she'd have enjoyed condescending to him. As long as he is what he is—sought-after and charming—she'll be what she is—jealous and bitter. I don't see how he stands it."
