There was
a peculiar velvety softness about her flesh and skin, a witching
stoop to her shoulders that was decidedly continental, and in her
deep, soulful eyes a half-wistful look that was most alluring. In
fact, she was as attractive a widow as the best Fifth Avenue
dealers in mourning goods could have produced.
I knew that 'Ginette Phelps had been, both as dancer and wife,
always the centre of a group of actors, artists, and men of
letters as well as of the world and affairs. The Phelpses had
lived well, although they were not extremely wealthy, as fortunes
go. When the blow fell, I could well fancy that the loss of his
money had been most serious to young Montague, who had showered
everything as lavishly as he was able upon his captivating bride.
Mrs. Phelps did not seem to be overjoyed at receiving us, yet made
no open effort to refuse.
"How long ago did the coma first show itself?" asked Kennedy,
after our introductions were completed. "Was your husband a man of
neurotic tendency, as far as you could judge?"
"Oh, I couldn't say when it began," she answered, in a voice that
was soft and musical and under perfect control.
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