She knew that her mother was very resolute, but had never imagined that she would resort to such extremes in order to accomplish an object. “Do you suppose you can make it work?” she asked somewhat doubtfully. “I do not know; but of one thing I am sure—I shall never recognize that impostor as my son’s wife,” said madam firmly. “Scarcely any one save the servants know that Truman has brought a wife home; if we can only manage to get rid of her before he returns, I believe we could manage him about a divorce.” “What need of a divorce if the marriage was illegal?” queried Evelyn. “I do not suppose it was really illegal, but I was so enraged with her that I did not care much what I told her. If it would only rouse her pride, so that she would take herself away where he could never find her, I should be happy.” “But True has taken no pains to conceal his marriage. You know he drove about a great deal with her, and it is a wonder that people have not found it out. Besides, he has given her a check-book, and if she likes she can draw any amount of his money,” said Evelyn. “How do you know?” asked her mother, looking startled. “I saw it one day when she was out driving and I was looking about her rooms. True has signed a number of blank checks, and all she need do is to fill them out with whatever amount she wishes to draw.” “We must have that book, Evelyn. It will never do to let her go to the bank and make free in any such way,” madam resolutely responded. That afternoon she sought the young wife in her own room. She found her pale and hollow-eyed, but felt no regret for having caused her suffering. Salome received her courteously, trying to remember only that she was her husband’s mother. “I have been thinking,” the scheming woman began, as she seated herself where she could catch every varying expression of the girl’s face, “that since matters seem to be in such a complicated and uncertain state, it might be as well for you to go away from here for a while—at least until Dr. Winthrop returns.” “Go away from here!” repeated Salome, astonished. “Yes: if people and the servants should discover the situation there might ensue a very disagreeable scandal.” “I do not think I quite understand you,” Salome said slowly, but her lips were livid. “Why, if it should become known that your marriage was not legal, people would say very uncomfortable things about you, as well as about my son. We are a very proud family,” madam continued pompously, “and it would be a great trial, as well as a great injury to Dr. Winthrop, to have any scandal connected with his name. Now, Evelyn and I have talked the matter over, and we have concluded that it will be best to take you with us to our own house—shut up this house—and then you can remain somewhat secluded until my son returns, when, if he sees fit, he can have his marriage ratified, or—make any other arrangement which may seem best for him and you.”