He had expected a cry of dismay; the silence with which his pronouncement was received alarmed him.
"You don't seem interested," he was obliged to add.
"I knew it already." He looked at her sharply.
"Who told you ?" "June." "How did she know ?" Irene did not answer.

Baffled and uncomfortable, he said: "It's a fine thing for Bosinney, it'll be the making of him.

I suppose she's told you all about it ?" "Yes." There was another pause, and then Soames said: "I suppose you don't want to, go ?" Irene made no reply.
"Well, I can't tell what you want.

You never seem contented here." "Have my wishes anything to do with it ?" She took the vase of roses and left the room.

Soames remained seated.
Was it for this that he had signed that contract?
Was it for this that he was going to spend some ten thousand pounds?
Bosinney's phrase came back to him: "Women are the devil!" But presently he grew calmer.