And Ethel saw him speak to them and she felt their glances turned her way.

Joe had grown suddenly awkward, his face wore a forced, unnatural smile, and he was talking rapidly--but she heard nothing that he said.

The whole atmosphere had changed in an instant.
For those people over there were some of Amy's friends, no doubt, amused at Joe and his young second wife, amused that Joe had not had the nerve to ask them to his wedding.

Ethel could feel herself burning inside.

A mistake not to have asked them?
No! What had they to do with it?
What right had they, what hold on Joe?
They had been a mighty poor lot of friends, with empty minds and money hearts, just clothes and food, late hours and wine! They had been decidedly bad for him, had drawn him off from his real work and plunged him into the rush to be rich! A voice within her, from underneath, was asking, "Or was it Amy ?" But she paid no heed to that.