“For the world is such a cruel, unsatisfactory place,” she said to herself, in the impatience of a first grief. “To live is to suffer, and, therefore, it were better to die.” No doubt if she had felt the chill hand grasping her, she would have urged a very different prayer; but Gwendolyn had never known sorrow before, and the pressure of the wound irritated her. She would have given up all the promise of the future to be rid of her present pain. Meanwhile, Lady Teignmouth rang for her maid. “Do you know where the post-office at Bridgton is?” she asked. Clémentine could not say that she did. “Anyhow, it will be easy enough to find out,” continued her mistress. “Put on your bonnet as quickly as possible, Clémentine, and take this telegram there. You can write English well now, but must be careful that your letters are clear and distinct.” “And am I to wait for an answer,” inquired the French woman naïvely. “Certainly not. But read the message over to me, that I may be sure you understand it.” Clémentine began in a singsong voice: “You are wanted here on urgent business. Come directly you receive my telegram.” “That will do. Mind your spelling,” was her ladyship’s comment. “Now you can go.” Lord Teignmouth was breakfasting at his club in luxurious bachelor ease when his wife’s message reached him, and he uttered an exclamation of annoyance and surprise. “How confoundedly unfortunate! And I dare say it is only some fad of Pauline’s, after all. She likes to have men running after her. I think I’ll telegraph back that I am particularly engaged, and can’t leave town.” Then he suddenly recollected that with all Lady Teignmouth’s caprices, she had never sent for him in this way before, and he at once decided to go. He telegraphed back to this effect, then finished his breakfast as quickly as he could, and in less than an hour was on his way to Bridgton. Pauline had calculated about the time he would reach the station, and had gone there to meet him, like a dutiful and affectionate wife. “Dear Reggie, how very kind of you!” she exclaimed, her face in a glitter of smiles. “I never expected you at all.” “Then you did not come to meet me, Pauline?” “Of course I did, you foolish fellow! The mere chance that you would come was enough to rouse my wifely zeal. Do you know why I wanted you?” she added, as she took his arm, and led him out of the station into the quiet lanes. “I haven’t the faintest idea.” “No? Then I will tell you. I want you to take me away from Bridgton immediately.” “But, my dear Pauline, you came here without me, and could, therefore, leave here without me, surely.” “You don’t evidently know Lady Lenox. She has made up her party, and won’t hear of any one deserting, as she calls it. I talked till I was tired, and then it suddenly struck me to telegraph for you, and make believe you had come on purpose to fetch me.” “But how is it you are tired of Bridgton already?”