"It's the only way to save him," said the banker coldly.
"The only way?" she faltered.
"The only way," said Mr. Jeffries firmly. "Do you consent?" he asked.
Annie threw up her head. Her pale face was full of determination, as she replied resignedly, catching her breath as she spoke:
"Yes, if it must be. I will consent to a divorce—to save him!"
"You will leave the country and go abroad to live?" continued the banker coldly.
She listened as in a dream. That she would be confronted by such an alternative as this had never entered her mind. She wondered why the world was so cruel and heartless. Yet if the sacrifice must be made to save Howard she was ready to make it.
"You will leave America and never return—is that understood?" repeated the banker.
"Yes, sir," she replied falteringly.
Mr. Jeffries paced nervously up and down the room. For the first time he seemed to take an interest in the interview. Patronizingly he said: