"Yesterday the bell rang and a gentleman said he wanted to see you. I told him you were out, and he said I'd do just as well. He handed me a card. On it was the name of the newspaper he represented."
"Well?"
"He asked me if it were true that proceedings for a divorce were about to be instituted. If so, when? And could I give him any information on the subject? I asked him who wanted the information, and he said the readers of his paper—the people—I believe he said over a million of them. Just think, Howard! Over a million people, not counting your father, your friends and relations, all waiting to know why you don't get rid of me, why you don't believe me to be as bad as they think I am——"
Howard raised his hand for her to desist.
"Annie—please!" he pleaded.
"That's the fact, isn't it?" she laughed.
"No."
His wife's head dropped on the table. She was crying now.
"I've made a hard fight, Howard," she sobbed, "but I'm going to give up. I'm through—I'm through!"
Howard took hold of her hand and carried it to his lips.