Helena, on the other hand, scented a favourable opportunity in the
counter-current and threw herself into the arms of the Church Party.
This was too much for Albert and he rebelled. His love had grown cold;
he found compensation elsewhere. He didn't consider himself unfaithful
to his wife for she had never claimed constancy in a relationship
which didn't exist.
His friendly intercourse with the other sex aroused his manliness and
made him realise his degradation.
His growing estrangement did not escape Helena. Their home-life became
unpleasant and every moment threatened to bring a catastrophe.
The opening of Parliament was imminent. Helena became restless and
seemed to have changed her tactics. Her voice was more gentle and she
appeared anxious to please him. She looked after the servants and saw
that the meals were served punctually.
He grew suspicious and wondered, watched her movements and prepared
for coming events.
One morning, at breakfast, Helena looked embarrassed and self-conscious.
She played with her dinner napkin and cleared her throat several times.
Then she took her courage in both her hands and made a plunge.
"Albert," she began, "I can count on you, can't I? You will serve the
Cause to which I have devoted my life?"
"What cause is that?" he asked curtly, for now he had the upper hand.
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