Abbott enviously. "Just like
you to get it first! I'd go with you but I must write to Antoinette
McLane. She'll _have_ to believe that her paragon is headed for
the rocks this time."
Mrs. McLane was having an attack of the blues when the letter
arrived and did not open her mail until two days later. Then she
drove at once to San Francisco. She was too wise in women to
remonstrate with Madeleine, but she went directly to Dr. Talbot's
office. It was the most unpleasant duty she had ever undertaken, but
she knew that Talbot would not doubt his wife's fidelity, and she was
determined to save Madeleine. She had considered the alternative of
going to Masters, but even her strong spirit quailed before the
prospect of that interview. Besides, if he were as deeply in love
with Madeleine as she believed him to be, it would do no good. She
had little faith in the self-abnegation of men where their passions
were concerned.
Dr. Talbot was in his office and saw her at once, and they talked
for an hour. His face was purple and she feared a stroke. But he
heard her quietly, and told her she had proved her friendship by
coming to him before it was too late. When she left him he sat for
another hour, alone.
XXIII
It was six o'clock. San Francisco was enjoying one of its rare heat
waves and Madeleine had put on a frock of white lawn made with a low
neck and short sleeves, and tied a soft blue sash round her waist.
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