Mr. Borrowby desisted for an instant. Andrew took up the receiver, to hear the voice of Mrs. Hamilton.
“I want to say good-by to you,” she said in a calm and bitter voice. “It’s the last word you will ever hear from me. This is really good-by, to you and to all the world. I have something here that will end it all, all my sufferings—”
“No!” he cried. “No! What are you thinking of?”
“Don’t worry!” she said. “It is the best way, my dear!”
The doctor gave vent to such a strange and terrible howl that even Mr. Borrowby was startled.
“What is it?” asked a quiet voice beside him.
He was not surprised to see Marian there. He was past surprise.
“Mrs. Hamilton!” he explained “Going to take poison!”
“Speak to her,” whispered Marian. “Tell her you’re coming at once.”
He did so, and hung up the receiver.