“Alone?” he said, sharply, looking up at her. “Yes,” he repeated, dryly, “it would be lonely.” He lifted his hand to his head. “I suppose you’re right about that,” he sighed. “I’ll speak to an agent to-morrow. We can doubtless rent it furnished. Still, it’s a little late in the season,” he concluded, vaguely. “I shall want to have some of our things sent to Waverly,” she said. “I thought I would begin to get them together to-day.” “Oh, don’t begin to break up till we’re ready to get out of here!” he exclaimed. “Wait till after the election. Besides, I expect Franklin West over in a few days, and I don’t want him to come into an empty house.” He was glad of the chance to mention West’s coming in this indirect way. He kept his eyes turned from his wife. After a moment of silence she said, in a low voice: “He is coming here?” He gave her a quick glance. “Yes; why not?” She moved slightly, but she did not answer. She grew slightly paler. “I know you don’t like him,” he went on, angry with himself for taking an apologetic attitude, “but surely you won’t object to his staying here a day or two. You’ve never objected before.” “I didn’t know him then as I do now,” she said. “What do you mean by that?” he asked, angrily. Then, when he saw that she had no reply to make, he went on, in a more conciliatory tone: “It will be impossible for me to avoid asking him. You know perfectly well----” The blood had rushed to her face. “If he comes, Douglas,” she said, “I can’t stay here.” He walked swiftly toward her and rested his hand on one of the chairs. His eyes shone. “I’ve stood enough of this behavior from you, Helen, and now I’m going to put my foot down. You sha’n’t stir out of this house. You’ll stay here, and you’ll receive Franklin West as you receive all my other friends. He knows you’re here, and I don’t propose to allow him to be insulted by your leaving. Do you understand?” Helen bowed. “Perfectly,” she said, in a whisper. “Then you’ll do as I say?” “No,” she replied, quietly. “I’ll go. I’ll leave this very morning.” “Then if you leave,” he said, “you’ll leave for good.” “As you please.” Helen turned and walked slowly toward the door. He watched her angrily. As she opened the door she leaned against it heavily and caught her breath in a sob.