I have reached the breaking
point here in this carriage. It is that or suicide, and that would
bring open disgrace on my husband. The other would only be suspected.
And I'll not last long."
The hack stopped in front of the hotel. She gave him her hand after
he had escorted her to the door. "Thank you once more. And I'd be
grateful if you would come and tell me if you have any further news
of him--no matter what. Will you?"
"Yes," he said. "But I feel like going off and getting drunk,
myself. I wish I hadn't told you a thing."
"It wouldn't have made much difference. If you know it others must,
and I'd have heard it sooner or later. I hope you'll call in any case."
He promised; but the next time he saw her it was not in a drawing-room.
XXIX
Madeleine had reached the calmness of despair once more, and this
time without a glimmer of hope. Life had showered its gifts
sardonically upon her before breaking her in her youth, and there was
still a resource in its budget that it had no power to withhold. She
was a firm believer in the dogmas of the Church and knew that she
would be punished hereafter. Well, so would he. It might be they
would be permitted to endure their punishment together. And
meanwhile, there was oblivion, delusions possibly, and then death.
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