"You will receive a yearly allowance through my lawyer."
Annie tossed up her chin defiantly. She would show the aristocrat that she could be as proud as he was.
"Thanks," she exclaimed. "I don't accept charity. I'm used to earning my own living."
"Oh, very well," replied the banker quickly. "That's as you please. But I have your promise—you will not attempt to see him again?"
"What! Not see him once more? To say good-by?" she exclaimed. A broken sob half checked her utterance. "Surely you can't mean that, Mr. Jeffries."
The banker shrugged his shoulders.
"I don't want the newspapers filled with sensational articles about the heartrending farewell interview between Howard Jeffries, Jr., and his wife—with your picture on the front page."
She was not listening to his sarcasm.
"Not even to say good-by?" she sobbed.
"No," replied Mr. Jeffries firmly. "Not even to say good-by."