Chapter 50

“Which Miss Deodore proceeded to confirm.” “No.” “She didn’t say it of Mr. Shoal?” “She might just as well have,” hotly. “With equal justice?” “With equal injustice. It was a rotten thing to say.” “Wasn’t it a statement of fact?” “No.” “Then it was an irrelevant lie?” “Yes.” “Mere vulgar abuse?” “That’s what it amounted to.” “Unprovoked?” “Yes.” “Spoken by a lady who appeared to be collected and calm?” “She appeared to be.” “Weren’t you greatly surprised?” “Yes.” “The remark was addressed to her sister?” “Yes.” “‘T…