“That is precisely what I mean to do!”
“We shall see about that.” He strode forward angrily. “I think the children themselves are the ones to choose between us.”
“Do you imagine for a moment,” Marjorie replied haughtily, “you could persuade them to leave their mother?”
“Elinor and Howard,” Hugh began suddenly, “I want you both to listen to me for a moment.”
Elinor sat up in her chair, dabbing at her eyes with her handkerchief, while Howard turned and stood with his back to the fireplace, staring sullenly in front of him.
“Children, your mother and I have come to the parting of the ways. As you heard her remark a few minutes ago—you are mine as well as hers. I love you both, and—I want you—but you are old enough to decide for yourselves.”
Silence, distressing in its intensity, followed the father’s brutal ultimatum.
“Oh—I—I don’t know what to say?” Elinor was filled with confusion. Her wail was faltering. “This is all so sudden—so strange!”
“You know, dear,” Hugh strode to her chair, and stood looking down upon her, “I am willing to do anything for you—I will take you abroad until this nasty scandal has a chance to blow over, and when we return, should you have any enemies you will find that the best weapon with which to fight them is your father’s money.”
“Elinor, darling,” Marjorie pleaded, “all that I can do is to offer you my love and devotion—and when it comes to protection, you will find that there isn’t a weapon in the world to compare with your mother’s love.”