His cousin Jolyon was Irene's trustee,the first step would be to go down and see him at Robin Hill.Robin Hill!The odd--the very odd feeling those words brought back!Robin Hill--the house Bosinney had built for him and Irene--the house they had never lived in--the fatal house!And Jolyon lived there now!H'm!And suddenly he thought:'They say he's got a boy at Oxford!Why not take young Val down and introduce them!It's an excuse!Less bald--very much less bald!'So,as they went upstairs,he said to Val:
"You've got a cousin at Oxford;you've never met him.I should like to take you down with me to-morrow to where he lives and introduce you.You'll find it useful."Val,receiving the idea with but moderate transports,Soames clinched it.
"I'll call for you after lunch.It's in the country--not far;you'll enjoy it."
On the threshold of the drawing-room he recalled with an effort that the steps he contemplated concerned Winifred at the moment,not himself.
Winifred was still sitting at her Buhl bureau.
"It's quite true,"he said;"he's gone to Buenos Aires,started this morning--we'd better have him shadowed when he lands.I'll cable at once.Otherwise we may have a lot of expense.The sooner these things are done the better.I'm always regretting that Ididn't."he stopped,and looked sidelong at the silent Winifred.
"By the way,"he went on,"can you prove cruelty?"Winifred said in a dull voice:
"I don't know.What is cruelty?"
"Well,has he struck you,or anything?"
Winifred shook herself,and her jaw grew square.
"He twisted my arm.Or would pointing a pistol count?Or being too drunk to undress himself,or--No--I can't bring in the children.""No,"said Soames;"no!I wonder!Of course,there's legal separation--we can get that.But separation!Um!""What does it mean?"asked Winifred desolately.