prettiness. But her eyes were brighter than
ever they had been, and there was something in their expression
which almost made Peter uneasy. Though she had lost so much of her
prettiness, he was not on that account moved to doubt the value of
his matrimonial prize; but there did come across his mind an idea
that those eyes might perhaps bring with them some discomfort into
his household. "I am very glad to see you, Linda," he said. "It is
very good of you to come to me here. Is there anything I can do for
you?"

"There is one thing, Peter Steinmarc, that you can do for me."

"What is that, my dear?"

"Let me alone." As she spoke she clenched her small fist and brought
it down with some energy on the table that was close to her. She
looked into his face as she did so, and his eyes quailed before her
glance. Then she repeated her demand. "Let me alone."

"I do not know what you mean, Linda. Of course you are going to be my
wife now."

"I do not wish to be your wife. You know that; and if you are a man
you will not force me." She had intended to be gentle with him, to
entreat him, to win him by humility and softness, and to take his
hand, and even kiss it if he would be good to her. But there was so
much of tragedy in her heart, and such an earnestness of purpose in
her mind, that she could not be gentle. As she spoke it seemed to him
that she was threatening him.

"It is all settled, Linda. It cannot be changed now."

"It can be changed. It must be changed. Tell her that I am not good
enough. You need not fear her. And if you will say so, I will never
be angry with you for the word. I will bless you for it."

"But, Linda, you did nothing so very much amiss;--did you?" Then
there came across her mind an idea that she would lie to him, and
degrade herself with a double disgrace. But she hesitated, and
was not actress enough to carry on the part. He winked at her as
he continued to speak. "I know," he said. "It was just a foolish
business, but no worse than that."

Oh heavens, how she hated him! She could have stabbed him to the
heart that moment, had the weapon been there, and had she possessed
the physical energy necessary for such an enterprise. He was a
thing to her so foul that all her feminine nature recoiled from the
closeness of his presence, and her flesh crept as she felt that the
same atmosphere encompassed them. And this man was to be her husband!
She must speak to him, speak out, speak very plainly. C