"Yes, did Annie tell you? It's only for a few months."
The lawyer frowned. Tapping the floor impatiently with his cane, he said:
"Why are you going away?"
Taken aback at the question, Howard stammered:
"Because—because——"
"Because I want him to go," interrupted Annie quickly.
The lawyer shook his head, and looking steadily at Howard, he said sternly:
"I'll tell you, Howard, my boy. You're going to escape from the scandalmongers and the gossiping busy-bodies. Forgive me for speaking plainly, but you're going away because your wife's conduct is a topic of conversation among your friends——"
Howard interrupted him.
"You're mistaken, judge; I don't care a hang what people say——"