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Hester’s friends? They seem very good-tempered.—But I was thinking about Clive and Hester, and how happy they are. I was thinking that it’s the greatest success.’

‘You mean their marriage? Yes. I suppose it is. Yes. They are very devoted.’

‘One sees it in the way they look—or don’t look—at each other.’ Celia slightly smiled. ‘They are always aware of each other—and understanding each other. It’s the greatest success;—and you mustn’t suppose, you must be sure, Monica.’

‘Perhaps I am sure. Perhaps that’s the trouble with me,’ said Monica, after a moment. ‘It’s a success which shuts me out; because I can’t understand it.’

‘Why not?’ Celia still smiled.

‘I know you always thought me wrong,’ said Monica. ‘I know you always thought I didn’t appreciate Hester’s qualities.’

‘Wrong? Did I? Anyway—she is different now. Don’t you feel that?’

‘She’s happier. She is completely happy; completely satisfied. She has everything she wants, if that is what you mean.’

‘Well, perhaps it does come down to being happy,’ said Celia. ‘And perhaps nobody who isn’t