"Last night you said that you had bought and paid for me!"
"But I've explained, haven't I?" he protested. "I've said that I'm ashamed, and I've apologized. Can I do any more? You don't know how nervous I am to-day—nor how I feel! I can't stand these rackets like I used to. Be a dear, good, sweet, little girl and don't scold me. Please dearie, please!"
"You said that you had bought and paid for me!" she repeated icily, with emphasis on the last words.
"But, sweetheart—"
Bitterly she went on:
"It isn't the first time you have said it either. And the dreadful thing about it is—that it's true!"
"But it isn't true," he protested.
She half turned away from him, unwilling that he should see the tears that had started to her eyes.
"Yes—it is true enough," she said half hysterically. "If you hadn't been rich—I should not have married you—because I didn't feel towards you—then—as a girl should feel towards the man she is to marry."
"Virginia!" he cried, making a stride forward.