Men and women are not made like that! It seems that every
one but myself has known for months that Masters is in love with you;
and Masters is a man of strong passions and relentless will. He has
used his will so far to curb his passions, principally, no doubt, on
my account; he is my friend and a man of honor. But there are moments
in life when honor as well as virtue goes overboard."
"But--but--we have agreed never to see each other alone again--
except out of doors."
"That is all very well, but there are always unexpected moments of
isolation. The devil sees to that. And while I have every confidence
in your virtue--under normal conditions--I know the helpless yielding
of women and the ruthless passions of men. It would be only a
question of time. I may have been a bad husband but I am mercifully
permitted to save you, and I shall do so."
He rose heavily from his chair. "Do you know where I can find
Masters?"
She sprang to her feet and for the first time in her life her voice
was shrill.
"You are not going to kill him?"
"Oh, no. I am not going to kill him. There has been scandal enough
already. And I have no desire to kill him. He has behaved very well,
all things considered. I am almost as sorry for him as I am for you--
and myself! Do you know where he is?"
"He is probably dining at the Union Club--or he may be at his new
offices.
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