“Mrs. Wylie did not like her because she had been at the hotel in the mountains when we were there, and the ladies had been somewhat scandalized by her behavior. But of course it seems incredible that she should have been able to cause trouble. I should not think of her, only at the time I felt such an instinctive dislike for her, and fear, as if she was dangerous.” Tibby spoke with evident reluctance. “I am afraid I tried to punish her sometimes.” “Punish her? How?” “O, I made her upset her coffee, spill her soup, and do other awkward things. I am glad now that I did them; that is, if she is to blame—for this.” “I see you feel convinced that she is,” Mark said. “And I am inclined to trust your intuition.” Tibby’s care of Mrs. Wylie was untiring, and when another day had come and the grief-tortured woman could control herself sufficiently to talk of her trouble, Mark sought from her to learn something more of the cause of it; but any suggestion of the idea that Horace had been beguiled by another woman met with indignant protest from Elinor. “O, no, no; there is nothing of the kind! Horace has always been devoted to me. I think he must be insane. I can account for this in no other way. I am sure his belief in spiritism has in some way been the primary cause of the trouble. It does unbalance the mind, we know,” she faltered. “We never had any disagreement except over that.” “Yes,” Mark said, “I am willing to believe that anything may come from embracing that creed. But what does he write you, Elinor?” “Here is the letter. Read it and interpret it if you can. I have read it several times with no further enlightenment,” she replied sadly. “‘My dear Elinor: “‘I fear this letter may prove a surprise to you, and a shock. I hardly know how to make you understand the reason why I have taken this step. It seems to be a necessary one. But I have not taken it without due reflection. I am convinced our marriage has not been the soul-marriage, which is the only true one, and that our tastes and requirements are so dissimilar, it is better that we should go separate ways. I am willing to provide abundantly for all your needs and for Robbie. You will, of course, desire to keep him with you at least until he is old enough to be sent away to school. I have placed with my attorney a sum of money which shall be paid to you regularly each month, sufficient, I am sure, for all your requirements, and I shall be glad to supplement it if at any time you desire more.