You knew that your
father was dead, did you not? And your mother also?"
"Oh yes, I knew. It didn't seem to make any difference. I knew I
never should see them again anyhow."
"Howard was appointed trustee of your inheritance, but as I said, he
does not mean to take advantage of the fact. I am informed, by the
way, that your brother never told your parents that you had left
Howard. He knew nothing beyond the fact, of course."
"Well, I am glad of that."
She had no intention of shedding any tears before Mr. McLane. Let
him think her callous if he must.
"About Howard?"
"I'll never go back to him. I never want to see him again."
"Not if he would take you to Europe to live? There is an opening for
an American doctor in Paris."
"I never want to see him again. I know he is a good man but I hate
him. And if I did go back it would be worse. You may tell him that."
"Is your decision irrevocable?"
"Yes, it is."
"Then I must tell you that if there is no prospect of your return he
will divorce you."
"Divorced--I divorced?" Her eyes expanded with horrified
astonishment. But only for a moment. She threw back her head and
laughed. "That was funny, wasn't it? Well, let him do as he thinks
best. And he may be happy once more if I am out of his life
altogether.
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