I was startled. I suppose now that the lack of cigarettes,
brought as a rule by her husband, forced him back upon her
recollection, and the new feeling that the small comforts she
was used to were missing gave her a sudden pang. She realised
that the old life was gone and done with. It was impossible
to keep up our social pretences any longer.
"I dare say you'd like me to go," I said to the Colonel,
getting up.
"I suppose you've heard that blackguard has deserted her,"
he cried explosively.
I hesitated.
"You know how people gossip," I answered. "I was vaguely told
that something was wrong."
"He's bolted. He's gone off to Paris with a woman. He's left
Amy without a penny."
"I'm awfully sorry," I said, not knowing what else to say.
The Colonel gulped down his whisky. He was a tall, lean man
of fifty, with a drooping moustache and grey hair. He had
pale blue eyes and a weak mouth. I remembered from my
previous meeting with him that he had a foolish face, and was
proud of the fact that for the ten years before he left the
army he had played polo three days a week.
"I don't suppose Mrs.
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