— XXI —THE BITER BITTEN
Mr. Ludlow did not look happy. Especially to one who was accustomed to see in him a dominant, autocratic, self-righteous, insensitive personality, his present attitude came as a shock. To Netta this was a new Theodore. This hangdog, nerveless, frightened, anxious creature was not the family tyrant with whom she was only too familiar. That Theodore had looked a whole world in the face, bidding it contradict his smallest utterance if it dare; this, cringed as if in doubt whether to plead for pity or to shun it. The singularity of his demeanour was rendered more conspicuous by his companion’s perfect ease. Mr. Smithers, taking Netta’s two hands in his, regarded her wondering face with smiling eyes.
“Netta, I have to tell you something which will pain you; but for you
