When she spoke again, it was with a great effort.
"Wives are sometimes allowed a holiday away from their husbands." Field said nothing whatever.

He only looked at her with unvarying attention.
She turned at last in desperation and faced him.

"Percival! Why do you look at me like that ?" He turned from her instantly, without replying.

"May I write a note here ?" he said, and went towards the writing-table.

"My pen has run dry." She made a movement that almost expressed panic.