“Oh.” She backed a little, trying to adjust herself to the news. Once she had seen him go on such trips with little or no concern. Now the thought of his leaving hurt keenly.
“I sha’n’t be gone long,” he said comfortingly. And kissed her.
“Daddy,—while you’re gone—may I go West? To Mother?”
“I’m afraid—not—just right away.”
“But if you go—to tell Mother good-bye.” She was pressing the point. For one thing she wanted to know before he went the truth from him about the divorce.
“I—I sha’n’t be going.”
Her eyes stared into his. “Daddy! You and Mother are divorced!”
“Phœbe!” he gasped, plainly astounded.
“Did you steal me away from Mother?” she demanded.
“Has someone told you that?”