"So that's what you think, is it?... I've obviously made a mistake in sending for you ... but I did so more for your sake than for my own ... to prepare you and save you from a shock if there was a blow-out.... I never knew before what a poor opinion you had of me." "Don't distort my words, Will, if you please...." He paced back and forth, beating the back of one hand against the palm of the other. "I know you're sick and weak.... I'm trying to make every allowance for your state of nerves. Up to date you've played up like a brick. I've often watched you and secretly admired the way you handled things, but--if you're going to spoil it all by developing into a jealous woman at this stage of the game...." I turned on him quickly. "I'm sure you can't say that I've ever annoyed you in that line." "No, I'll admit, you've been a level-headed woman ... but remember I've played square with you and I think you'll admit _that_. I've never had a serious affair with any woman--and the Lord knows I have it thrown at me from all sides. The woods are full of Potiphar's wives.... If you had some men to deal with ... how many of 'em can stand up against that sort of thing without losing their heads?... why, I've had people tell me we were a model couple ... and, here, the first time I get into anything like a serious predicament----" "Then you admit other predicaments?" "Why, of course, there's been ... O, hell--what's the use of trying to argue with a woman! You're like all the rest!--when it comes to a show-down they're not deuces high!" ... He crossed to the telephone and called a waiter. "I've got to order an early dinner; I'll have a fine dose of indigestion as it is--after all this infernal row.... Of course, if it came to a show-down and he named me as co-respondent it wouldn't do _me_ any damage but it would upset the pater and the rest of the family all along the line. You know how they feel about the stage...." "What about me?" was on the tip of my tongue but I did not voice it or the thoughts which followed. How should I feel to see a home broken up and to know that my husband shared in the wrecking?--whether directly or indirectly--the results were the same. And the woman--and the two little girls ... what of them?... A knock at the door caused my very heart to contract. Had the husband arrived to demand Heaven only knew what?... The waiter entered with a menu. I had completely forgotten that Will had summoned him. When the waiter had taken the order and gone, Will crossed and laid his hand on my arm. "Come now, girlie--we musn't let this fool thing come between you and me. It isn't worth it! You know I love you ... you're the only woman I've ever loved ... ever _will_ love...." O, wise husband! He knew I could no more resist his tenderness than a flower resists the warm sun.... He let me revel in my first fierce burst of tears and comforted me mutely; then, still holding me in his arms, he went on talking: