To be totally unconcerned was the best thing--to look and act as though Michael Arranstoun were indeed a perfect stranger introduced to her for the first time in her life.

It would take him some moments to be certain that she was Sabine--his wife--and he would then not be likely to make a scene before Henry--and when the moment for plain speaking came, she would sternly demand to be set free.

She had kept silence to Henry as to who her husband really was--for no reason except that the whole subject disturbed her greatly--the very mention of Michael's name or the thought of him always filling her with wild and mixed emotions.

She had schooled herself in the years that had gone by since their parting, into absolutely banishing his memory every time it recurred.

She had a vague feeling that she must be free of him, and safe before she could even pronounce his name to Lord Fordyce, who naturally must know eventually.