Of course it was not a malevolent curiosity which, if not exactly natural, is to be met fairly frequently in men and perhaps more frequently in women--especially if a woman be in question; and that woman under a cloud, in a manner of speaking.

For under a cloud Flora de Barral was fated to be even at sea.

Yes.

Even that sort of darkness which attends a woman for whom there is no clear place in the world hung over her.

Yes.