"I owe Del nothing. That is understood
between us."
"But if the tittle-tattle that must be going the rounds should come to
his ears--"
"If the truth should come to his ears," she replied tranquilly, "it
would make no difference."
Ban looked at her, hesitant to be convinced.
"Yes; it's so," she asseverated, nodding, "After his outbreak in
Paris--it was on our wedding trip--I gave him a choice. I would either
divorce him, or I would hold myself absolutely free of him so far as any
claim, actual or moral, went. The one thing I undertook was that I would
never involve his name in any open scandal."
"He hasn't been so particular," said Ban gloomily.
"Of late he has. Since I had Cousin Billy Enderby go to him about the
dancer. I won't say he's run absolutely straight since. Poor Del! He
can't, I suppose. But, at least, he's respected the bargain to the
extent of being prudent. I shall respect mine to the same extent."
"Io," he burst out passionately, "there's only one thing in the world I
really want; for you to be free of him absolutely."
She shook her head. "Oh, Ban' Can't you be content--with me? I've told
you I am free of him. I'm not really his wife."
"No; you're mine," he declared with jealous intensity.
"Yes; I'm yours.
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