turned as white and brittle as a crone’s. Beneath her

Bernard laid his hand on his companion's shoulder, shaking his head slowly.

"You must not think too much about that," he said.

"So simple--so good--so charming!" Gordon repeated.

"Ah, my dear Gordon!" Bernard murmured.

"So intelligent, so reasonable, so sensible."

"Have you discovered all that in two minutes' talk?"

"Yes, in two minutes' talk. I should n't hesitate about her now!"

"It 's better you should n't say that," said Bernard.