"Tell me what it is," cried he, in a hoarse voice. "You are killing me by inches. What is it?"
"She has gone away from us," said Mrs. Brace. "She has gone and left us."
He started back as though the words had stabbed his heart.
Mattie laid her hand on his arm. By the might of her own love she understood his fears.
"Not with any one else, Earle," she said. "Do listen to me, dear. She has not gone away with anyone else; but life here was dull for her; she did not like it; she has gone abroad to teach little children. It is not so dreadful, Earle, after all."
But he looked at her with vague, dull eyes.
"Not like the life!" he repeated. "But I am here! Dull! How could it be dull? I am here!"
"Tell him the truth, Mattie," said Mrs. Brace; "there is no use in deceiving him any more; he has been deceived long enough; tell him the truth."
He looked from one to the other with haggard eyes.
"Yes, tell me," he said; "tell me the worst."