"Now I will tell you what you must do."
"Yes?"
"You must accept Rachel's dismissal."
"What! I'm sure I shall not do anything of the kind."
Mrs. Reade laid herself back in the carriage and folded her hands.
"Very well," she said, calmly.
"No, but really—I beg your pardon—I don't understand you. Do you mean I must just give her up and have done with it? Because you know it is just that that I can't do."
"Not at all. But don't ask my opinion——"
"Oh, yes, do tell me what you mean."
"Well, I was going to suggest that you see or write to Rachel and tell her you will do what she wishes rather than distress her; but that, while leaving her free, you will consider yourself still as much bound to her as ever, and wait in hope that she will come back to you someday. That kind of thing, you know."