As he looked at her he realised that she had aged in this last fortnight.Yes, that horrible affair had taken it out of her.She seemed to have recovered self-control at some strange and unnatural cost--as though she had taken some potion or drug.
She began by asking Grace's question:
"Paul, what are we going to do?"
But she did not irritate him as Grace had done.His one idea was to help her; unfortunately he had himself thought out nothing clearly.
"Well, Maggie," he answered, smiling, "I thought you might help me about that.I want your advice.I thought--well, as a matter of fact I hadn't settled anything--but I thought that I might get a locum for a month or two and we might go abroad for a trip perhaps.To Paris, or Venice, or somewhere.""And then come back?" she asked.
"For a time--yes--certainly," he answered.
"I don't think I can ever come back to Skeaton," she said in a whisper, as though speaking to herself.He could see that she was controlling herself and steadying her voice with the greatest difficulty."Of course I must come, Paul, if you want me to.It's been all my fault from the very beginning----""Oh no," he broke in, "it hasn't."
"Yes, it has.I've just spoilt your life and Grace's.You were both very happy until I came.I had no right to marry you when I didn't love you.I didn't know then all I know now.But that's no excuse.Ishould have known.I was younger than most girls are, though."Paul said:
"But Maggie, you're not to blame yourself at all.I think if we were somewhere else than Skeaton it would be easier.And now after what has happened--"Maggie broke in: "You couldn't leave Skeaton, Paul.You know you couldn't.It would just break your heart.All the work of your life has been here--everything you've ever done.And Grace too.""No, no, you're wrong," said Paul vigorously."A change is probably what I need.I've been too long in the same place.Time goes so fast that one doesn't realise.And for Grace, too, I expect a change will be better.""And do you think," said Maggie, "that Grace will ever live with me now in the same house when she knows that I've driven you from Skeaton? Grace is quite right.She's just to feel as she does about me.""Then Grace must go," said Paul firmly, looking at Maggie and feeling that the one thing that he needed was that she should be in his arms and he kissing her."Maggie, if we go away, you and I, right away from all of this, perhaps then you can--you will--" he stopped.