"I knew it! I knew it!" cried the poor wife, kissing the hand of the actress. "May God bless you for doing this good action."
"I wouldn't have done it had it not been for the sake of your child," said Kitty coldly.
"Wonderful," thought the listener; "Kitty Marchurst has a heart."
"Good-bye, good-bye!" said Mrs. Malton, rising to her feet. "I may never see you again."
"I've no doubt of that," replied Caprice, with a cynical laugh; "you've got all you wanted, so now you leave me."
"No, no!" cried the other woman vehemently. "I am not ungrateful. I will visit you if you will let me. I am sorry for you. I pity you."
"Keep your pity and your visits for some one else--I want neither."
"But your heart?"
"My heart is stone; it was hardened long, long ago. Leave me--I have done all I can for you--now go."
Mrs. Malton made a step forward, and, catching Kitty in her arms, kissed her.