did not know if she were jesting or
in earnest. Almost impatiently he exclaimed:

"Why do you talk in this way against your own interests? You know I'd
like to be friendly with my family, and all that. But it wouldn't be
fair to you."

"I'm not talking against myself, Howard. I want you to be happy, and
you're not happy. You can't be happy under these conditions. Now be
honest with me--can you?"

"Can you?" he demanded.

"No," she answered frankly, "not unless you are." Slowly, she went on:
"Whatever happiness I've had in life I owe to you, and God knows you've
had nothing but trouble from me. I did wrong to marry you, and I'm
willing to pay the penalty. I've evened matters up with your family; now
let me try and square up with you."

"Evened up matters with my family?" he exclaimed in surprise. "What do
you mean?"

With a smile she replied ambiguously:

"Oh, that's a little private matter of my own!" He stared at her, unable
to comprehend, and she went on gravely: "Howard, you must do what's best
for yourself. I'll pack your things. You can go when you please----"

He stared gloomily out of the window without replying. After all, he
thought to himself, it was perhaps for the best. Shackled as he was now,
he would never be able to accomplish anything. If they separated, his
father would take him at once into his business. Life would begin for
him all over again. It would be better for her, too. Of course, he would
never forget her. He would provide for her comfort. His father would
help him arrange for that. Lighting a cigarette, he said carelessly:

"Well--perhaps you're right. Maybe a little trip through Europe won't do
me any harm."

"Of course not," she said simply.

Busy with an obstinate match, he did not hear the sigh that accompanied
her words or see the look of agony that crossed her face.

"But what are you going to do?" he inquired after a silence.

With an effort, she controlled her voice. Not for all the world would
she betray the fact that her heart was breaking. With affected
indifference, she replied:

"Oh, I shall be all right. I shall go and live somewhere in the country
for a few months. I'm tired of the city."

"So am I," he rejoined, with a gesture of disgust. "But I hate like the
deuce to leave you alone."

"That's nothing," she said hastily. "A trip abroad is just what you
need." Looking up at him, she added: "Your face has brightened up
already!"

He stared at her, unable t