You'd only repent that last step once, and that would be--always!" "My dear Kit, I've taken so many steps that I've repented! But when you're in the middle of a staircase you must inevitably continue taking steps--either up or down.

And if I take this one, and repent it--well, at all events it will be the last step." "Not necessarily," replied Kitty drily.
"Where are you wandering now ?" gibed Nan.

"Into the Divorce Courts--or the Thames?
Surely you know me better than that! I value my creature comforts far too much to exploit either, I assure you.

The Divorce Courts are muddy--and the Thames is wet." Kitty was silent a moment, her heart torn by the bitterness in the girl's voice.
"You'd regret it, I know," she insisted gravely.
Nan rose from her cushions, swinging her hat in her hand.
"Always remembering that a prophet hath no honour in his own country," she commented curtly over her shoulder, and sauntered away towards the house, defiantly humming the air of a scandalous little French song as she went.
Kitty sank back into the hammock, lighting a cigarette to aid her meditations.

Truly matters had gone very crookedly.