It was written in the clearest and steadiest hand, on superfine paper.
"I am sorry you should have repeated your insult in a written form; I venture to think that not every man would have followed this course.
For myself, it is well indeed that I see the result of the test to which you have been exposed.

But I shall say and think no more of it.
As you leave soon, I would suggest that we should be on the terms of ordinary acquaintances for the remaining time; the present state of things is both disagreeable and foolish.

It will always seem to me a very singular thing that you should have continued to live in this house; but that, of course, was in your own discretion .-- M.

D." This was on the morning when Cecily and her companions went to Pompeii.
Towards luncheon-time, Clifford entered the drawing-room, and there found Mrs.Lessingham in conversation with Madeline.

The former looked towards him in a way which seemed to invite his approach.
"Another idle morning, Mr.Marsh ?" was her greeting.
"I had a letter at breakfast that disturbed me," he replied, seating himself away from Madeline.
"I'm sorry to hear that." "Mr.Marsh is very easily disturbed," said Madeline, in a light tone of many possible meanings.
"Yes," admitted Clifford, leaning back and letting his head droop a little; "I can seldom do anything when I am not quite at ease in mind.
Rather a misfortune, but not an uncommon one with artists." The conversation turned on this subject for a few minutes, Madeline taking part in it in a way that showed her resolve to act as she had recommended in her note.