But, in spite of her aunt's presence, how unreal the whole question of Cyril and his morality appeared! The difficulty, it now seemed, was not to break the news gently to Mrs.Hilbery, but to make her understand it.

How was one to lasso her mind, and tether it to this minute, unimportant spot?
A matter-of-fact statement seemed best.
"I think Aunt Celia has come to talk about Cyril, mother," she said rather brutally.

"Aunt Celia has discovered that Cyril is married.

He has a wife and children." "No, he is NOT married," Mrs.Milvain interposed, in low tones, addressing herself to Mrs.Hilbery.

"He has two children, and another on the way." Mrs.Hilbery looked from one to the other in bewilderment.
"We thought it better to wait until it was proved before we told you," Katharine added.
"But I met Cyril only a fortnight ago at the National Gallery!" Mrs.
Hilbery exclaimed.