"Mr. Applegate, there is no time for the niceties of feeling! If she saw what I did today and understood what could happen to these men- almost certainly will happen one day, sooner or later-would this woman really wish you to respect her delicacy now she is dead? Think of their lives, of those who still have a chance if we act, if we achieve what she began. Is not the greatest compliment to her, the greatest service, that we take up her cause?"

He was looking at her with profound indecision in his eyes. He was a kind man, torn by conflicting principles of overwhelming power.

Hester realized she was leaning forward as if to physically touch him. Reluctantly she sat back, not in apology but because it might be a bad strategy, and certainly bad manners.

Without explanation Applegate stood up. "Excuse me," he said huskily, and left the room.

Hester was crushed. She had liked the man instinctively, and it seemed she had driven him to the point where he had found her so oppressive he had actually retreated from her presence, as if not knowing how else to deal with her. Was she really so insensitive? Was she dragging out the memory of a woman he had perhaps loved, and treating it with unbearable disrespect? How ugly! And how stupid.

She did not know what to do next.

Then the door opened and a woman came in. She was tall, perhaps even an inch or so taller than Hester, and equally slender. She had a most unusual face. It was handsome in its own way, but far more than for the beauty; it was remarkable for its great readiness for the enjoyment of life.

The woman was immediately followed by Applegate himself, who introduced her to Hester as his wife, then by way of explanation added, "We were both fond of Mary, but my wife the more so. Before I break confidence I felt I should consult her opinion."

"How do you do, Mrs. Monk," Rose Applegate said warmly. Then she glanced at her husband. "Nice of you to consult me, but quite unnecessary." She invited Hester to resume her seat, since she had naturally stood up when Mrs. Applegate came in. Rose sat opposite, leaving her husband to sit where he would. "Mary died a couple of days ago, and we are all very distressed about it, and angry. I don't believe for an instant it was as simple as they say. She wouldn't do it, she just wouldn't."

"My dear ...," Applegate began.

She did not exactly say "Hush" to him, but almost. It was apparent that he was devoted to her and that she was sufficiently confident in that devotion not to defer to him when she felt passionately.