"
"But how could I marry him when----"
"When you don't love him?"
"No--I might have done that. I like him. But, when I love another man."
"It does make a difference. But you ought to be able to foresee that you'll
get over Howard in a few weeks----"
"Precisely what Teddy said."
"Did he? I'm surprised at his having so much sense. For, if you'll forgive
me, I don't think Teddy will ever set New York on fire--at least,
he's--well, he has the makings of an ideal husband. And has he broken it
off?"
"No. He wouldn't have it."
"Really? Well he _is_ in love. Most men in his position--able to get
any girl he wants--would have thrown up the whole business. Yes, he must be
awfully in love."
"Do you think that?" Marian's voice spoke distress but she felt only
satisfaction. "Oh, I hope not--that is, I'd like to think he cared a great
deal and at the same time I don't want to hurt him."
"Don't fret yourself about these two men. Just go on thinking as you
please. You'll be surprised how soon Howard will fade." Mrs. Carnarvon
smiled satirically at some thought--perhaps a memory. "You're a good deal
of a goose, my dear, but you are a great deal more of a woman. That's why I
feel sure that Teddy will win."
With such an opportunity--with the field clear and the woman
half-remorseful over her treachery, half-indignant at the man who had shown
himself so weak and spiritless--a cleverer or a less vain man than Danvers
would have triumphed easily.
Pages:
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141