'Pray, what is likely to be the next scene in the drama between you and Miss Sarti ?' said Miss Assher to Captain Wybrow as soon as they were out on the gravel.

'It would be agreeable to have some idea of what is coming.' Captain Wybrow was silent.

He felt out of humour, wearied, annoyed.

There come moments when one almost determines never again to oppose anything but dead silence to an angry woman.

'Now then, confound it,' he said to himself, 'I'm going to be battered on the other flank.' He looked resolutely at the horizon, with something more like a frown on his face than Beatrice had ever seen there.
After a pause of two or three minutes, she continued in a still haughtier tone, 'I suppose you are aware, Captain Wybrow, that I expect an explanation of what I have just seen.' 'I have no explanation, my dear Beatrice,' he answered at last, making a strong effort over himself, 'except what I have already given you.