And the day came round for Hilda to arrive. Connie had arranged with Mellors that if everything promised well for their night together, she would hang a green shawl out of the window. If there were frustration, a red one.

Mrs. Bolton helped Connie to pack.

“It will be so good for your ladyship to have a change.”

“I think it will. You don’t mind having Sir Clifford on your hands alone for a time, do you?”

“Oh, no! I can manage him quite all right. I mean, I can do all he needs me to do. Don’t you think he’s better than he used to be?”

“Oh much! You do wonders with him.”