ould do in
such circumstances. She must boldly assert her independence and leave
him, no matter at what sacrifice of her comfort and happiness. It
would be better to undergo any privation rather than endure such
suffering, such degradation as this.

She could earn her own living. Perhaps she could get back the same
position at the hotel, and if Fanny and Jim would have her, she could
go and live with them. It would mean the sacrifice of many luxuries
and much pride, but at least she would be able to lift up her head and
look all decent people squarely in the face again. She would give him
back all his jewels--every one. Much as she loved them, she would
return them all--the diamond sunburst, the pearl necklace, the ruby
cross--everything. They were the things he had bought her with. Hadn't
he said so? Maybe it was true that she had married him only for his
money. Well, if it was true, this was her punishment, the cross she
must carry for her wickedness, and it was also why she must leave him.
She would never give him another opportunity to accuse her of having
bartered away her self-respect.

What should she say to him at breakfast? No doubt he would be very
penitent and full of apologies. No matter what he might say, her mind
was made up. She would listen in silence, and, breakfast over, begin
to make her preparations for departure. Fanny, of course, must be told
everything, but not yet. There was plenty of time to tell her. The
rupture would interfere, no doubt, with Jimmie's prospects, but it
could not be helped. She could not be expected to go on suffering for
their sake. They must all try and get along without the assistance of
the rich Mr. Stafford. He would respect them the more if they did.

Everything occurred just as she had foreseen. Stafford woke with a
terrific headache and thoroughly ashamed of himself. He had no
distinct remembrance of the happenings of the evening before, but that
he was drunk and had made a fool of himself he was pretty well sure.
If he had not been, Virginia's cold demeanor would have soon
enlightened him. At the breakfast table he mumbled an apology and
tried to awaken some sympathy for his headache. But his wife paid no
attention and beyond the merest commonplaces, made no attempt at
conversation whatever and the meal ended as it began, in icy silence.

After breakfast she went to her room and, ringing for Josephine,
ordered her to get out her blue cloth walking suit. The maid op