"She wants to kill herself," said Madison. "I just called you to witness that the act is entirely voluntary on her part." Turning to the frenzied, hysterical woman, he said indifferently: "Now go ahead!"
In a state bordering on collapse, Laura dropped the pistol on the floor.
"John, I—can't——"
Madison waved the maid away.
"Annie, she's evidently changed her mind. You may go."
"But, Miss Laura, Ah——"
"You may go!" he cried peremptorily.
Bewildered and not understanding, the negress disappeared through the portières. In the same gentle tone, but carrying with it an almost frigid conviction, he went on:
"You didn't have the nerve. I knew you wouldn't. For a moment you thought the only decent thing for you to do was to die, and yet you couldn't go through. I am sorry for you—more sorry than I can tell."
He took a step toward the door.