Paul started. This was taking his business out of his hands with a vengeance; but his brother-in-law went on: "I know what you would say. You wish to do more for your wife than merely give her the use of what is her own. I have heard you repeat a hundred times that you should wish your wife to be dependent entirely on you. I acknowledge it is a noble sentiment; but you must remember that travelling is expensive; and though your client pays fare, etc., there will be occasions when you will need all the money you can raise." "Just so," faltered Paul. "Just so; but if I should return in six months." "Leave Gerty at Rose Cottage through the summer and board at one of your hotels. Just say the word, or rather give me power to do it; and I'll have the business all arranged for you before I go back." He drew a sheet of paper toward him, wrote rapidly over the page and then passed it to his brother-in-law to sign. It was all so sudden that Paul could form no excuse; and presently Mr. Wallingford left, the office with a power of attorney in his hands to manage his sister's property, during the absence of her husband. "What does this mean?" exclaimed Marion Gilbert, entering the next morning while they were at the breakfast table, and pointing to an advertisement in the paper. Edward glanced toward his brother-in-law to explain. "Only this, Miss Gilbert. My business calls me across the ocean; and it is better not to have a house stand empty." "Oh, Gerty, how can I spare you?" exclaimed Marion in real distress. "I'm not going to Europe," murmured the young wife. "Mr. Dudley's is a hurried trip on business; but as he and Edward think it will be best to rent the house; and it can't be leased for less than a year, I shall probably remain that length of time at Rose Cottage." "I shall not consent to such a monopoly," urged the warm-hearted girl. "We shall claim you part of the time. I read this in the paper which I generally skim over for papa while he eats his breakfast; and I couldn't wait one minute till I learned what it meant." "Paul don't leave for two months yet," explained his wife. "In that case I shall have time to offer all my inducements to keep you in Chicago," rejoined Marion smiling; "and as I left papa and mamma almost as anxious as I was, I'll hurry back and enlighten them." The advertisement was answered at once by a lady, whose daughter was intending to be married immediately. The couple had been disappointed in a house they expected to hire, and the mother of the lady was so pleased with this, that she brought her daughter and fiancée at once to decide. Before Edward left the next day, the lease was drawn and signed, a check for the money to be forwarded to him in New York quarterly; and nothing remained but for Gertrude to look over with the lady an inventory of every article left in the house. CHAPTER XIV. THE SEPARATION.