Iris, when she accepted Hugh Mountjoy's offer of his Scotch villa, went
them resolved to hide herself from the world. Too many people, she
thought, knew her history, and what she had done. It was not likely
that the Directors of the Insurance Company would all hold their
tongues about a scandal so very unusual. Even if they did not charge
her with complicity, as they could, they would certainly tell the
story--all the more readily since Lord Harry's murder--of the
conspiracy and its success. She could never again, she told herself, be
seen in the world.
She was accompanied by her friend and maid--the woman whose fidelity to
her had been so abundantly proved--and by Mrs. Vimpany, who acted as
housekeeper.
After a decent interval, Hugh Mountjoy joined her. She was now a widow.
She understood very well what he wished to say, and she anticipated
him. She informed him that nothing would ever induce her to become the
wife of any other man after her degradation. Hugh received this
intimation without a remark. He remained in the neighbourhood, however,
calling upon her frequently and offering no word of love. But he became
necessary to her. The frequent visits became daily; the afternoon
visits were paid in the morning: the visitor stayed all day.
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