"Can you ask? Think of the disgrace it would be to the child."
It was all over. Eustace had an intuitive feeling that the last word had been said on the subject. She would never divorce her husband, she would never listen to his offers of affection, for the child was at once her safeguard and her idol.
Had he been wise he would have said nothing more. Not being wise, however, he did.
"You have been very kind to me, Alizon," he said slowly, "very--very kind, and I shall treasure your kindness in my heart when I leave you."
"Where are you going?" she asked in a startled tone.
"I am going to Africa."
"Have you any reason?"
"The best of all possible reasons. I love you too well for my own peace of mind."
Lady Errington arose, with a slight cry, from her chair, and stood looking at him with wild eyes.
"Are you mad?"