Ships That Pass in the Night

nd well-provided with parasols to protect themselves from the glare. Some were reading, some were playing cards or Russian dominoes, and others were doing nothing. There was a good

riends were anything but attractive to Bernardine, although she liked Mrs. Reffold herself immensely. There was no special reason why she should like her; she certainly had no cause to admire her every-day behaviour, nor her neglect of her invalid husband, who was

s her stock remark. Most people answered her by saying: "Oh no, Mrs. Reffold, don't say that." But when she ma

he can read to him," said Mrs. Ref

ernardine; "and she could read; but she

Mrs. Reffold. "Ah, there is Captain Graham c

ess with the Swedish Professor, Mrs. Reffold came to her. There was

lendid idea. Will you go and see Mr. Reffold this af

dine s

sh it," sh

y, and Bernardine continued her game

in a suite of apartments in the

t the door, and the

old," Bernardine said; and the nurse sh

oked up as Bernardine came in, and a smi

said Bernardine; "but Mrs. Reffo

gned to the nu

him. She had often seen him l

or coming to me

nough, but there was no

id gently; and then she too

e. To know that things are done for me because a certain amount of francs are

spoke. "I lie here," he said, "and the

e asked kindly. She did n

o is not paid for talking to me. I have often watched you, and wondered

him and arranged the cushions for him more comfort

my wife's frie

"but I like her, all the same. Indeed, I li

she look splendid in her furs? By Jove, you are ri

ile faded f

said half to him

are surrounded with books and news

y. "My tastes are not their tastes. I don't supp

heerily, "try me.

ery word of that. And about that theatrical divorce case.

rself down to amuse him. A

said once or twice. "I can understand pa

ing, but of people she had met and of Places she had seen; and there was fun in everything she said. She knew London well, and she could t

cheered the poor fellow as he h

e said, when she was leaving. T

not to be pa

he laughed. "What a s

y. "But you can't think what a differenc

well how you mean it. You want a little kindness

when she was o

l you come

ill come

t tired you. You are only a bit of a thing yourself. But

t down to table-d'h?t

stairs, and stoppe

a pity you don't come! Oh, by the way, thank you for going to see my husband. I hope he did not tire you. He