“It is my confession, is it not?--and hasn’t a woman the right to choose the time when she makes it? You shall know everything--when the right time comes.” She turned to the little lawyer. “I believe that is all, Mr. Loveman.” “But the letter?” he prompted. She understood. “You definitely promise?” “Yes.” “Very well, then”--and slowly, all eyes upon her, Mary tore the sealed letter up and dropped the pieces into the waste-basket. There was a moment’s pause. Each of the four had his own belief as to the revelation in that letter she had so calmly torn to fragments. As for Mary, she was outwardly composed enough; she believed that the crisis with Loveman was safely passed--perhaps; but every second she was poignantly aware of the danger represented by that motionless girl who still held the marriage certificate in her hand. Mary could not guess what that emotional, jealous, pampered girl would do, nor at what instant she would do it. Mr. Morton turned from Mary to Jack and Maisie. “Run along, children,” he said pleasantly, “and do whatever it was you were planning to do. I may pick you up later somewhere.” Almost mechanically the girl walked out. With a quick glance of fear at Mary, Jack went after her--and Mary followed her with her eyes, wondering. CHAPTER XVIII HOW MAISIE JONES REACTED Mr. Morton turned upon Mary the instant Jack and Maisie Jones were out. “Mrs. Gardner, how much did Miss Jones learn or guess about you and Jack?” he demanded sharply. “You saw the scene, you can draw your own conclusions,” replied Mary. “If you wish to know definitely, I suggest you ask Miss Jones.” “U’m. She didn’t seem to know just what to make of the scene--but I don’t believe she suspected anything. You carried it all off mighty well,--Mrs. Gardner,--mighty well; in fact you saved the situation. Loveman”--with sharp rebuke--“you damned near spilled everything, trying to blurt out your discovery before Miss Jones!” “That’s once I didn’t stop to think,” apologized Loveman. “Then suppose you excuse yourself and do some thinking outside. I want a few words with Miss Gilmore--beg pardon, Mrs. Gardner I should say.” “But--first I’d like a few words with Mr. Loveman,” said Mary,--“alone.” She stepped out into the corridor ahead of Loveman, walked a few unsteady paces, and turned a corner. This corridor was empty. She halted. “What did you want to see me about, Mary?” the little lawyer asked nervously. “I didn’t want to see you--I wanted to get out of that room--after what I’ve been through.”