She shook her head, miserably. "Oh, no. She really didn't want me to come. But I had to. I felt I must talk to you once more. But please don't think I have come for myself, I haven't. I don't want you to come back to me if--if you don't wish to. I know you have never loved me." She paused, then continued, "It is only for your mother's sake that I am here. She is entirely broken up since your letter. Please, please." She got up and coming close to him, clasped his arm. "Please return to her! If you don't, I'm sure something dreadful will happen. I never saw her so upset in my life. She is really ill, Alexis." He withdrew his arm, but not ungently. The girl's unselfishness had touched him in spite of himself. "I simply cannot return, Claire. My mother has dominated me too long, and my soul aches for freedom. After this I must be my own master. It's not as if she really cared for me personally. All I meant to her was my career and what it brought in!" he ended bitterly. "Tell her that is finished forever, and she will be quite satisfied to do without me. For of what use is a dry cow?" He laughed sardonically. Tears streaming down her face, Claire answered brokenly. "It breaks my heart to hear you speak so about your music, you who lived for nothing else. Oh, my poor Alexis, what madness has come over you?" He looked before him with bewildered eyes. "It is gone, gone forever," he muttered. "Can't you see it is torturing me, too?" His shattered look lurked so near to madness that once more Claire forgot herself. She started up with a cry and threw her arms about him. "Oh, Alexis, don't give up like that. Go back. Try once more. If you find yourself again in your old surroundings, it may all return to you. I'm sure you will be able to come to some arrangement with your mother, which will leave you more independent, and as for me I promise to do anything you ask. If it will make you happier, and make you feel less tied, I'll go away somewhere, and you need never see me again!" A cry of pity broke from his lips. He placed her back in her chair. "Poor little Claire, it hurts to hear you talk like that. Did you think it was you who had driven me from home? Why, I shall remember your affection and sweetness always." A flash of joy irradiated her face as he spoke. He continued with an effort. "But even you, whom I have always loved as a little sister," he emphasized the last word, "even you couldn't bring me home. Do you understand, Claire?" She nodded slowly. Her pallor, if possible, increased. "Do you wish a separation?" she asked quietly. His heart contracted at her lifeless tone. He evaded her eyes. "Yes, Claire. I think it would be best. I must be free. And you'll admit our marriage was rather a farce, wasn't it?" He tried to speak lightly, but the effort was palpable even to Claire.