"I told him the truth," she nodded.
"And he took it like a man!" exclaimed Monte enthusiastically. "I 'd like to show you his letter, only I don't know that it would be quite fair to him."
"I don't want to see it," she cut in. "I—I know I should n't."
What else besides his going had Peter told Monte?
"It was his letter that brought me back," he said.
She held her breath. She had warned Peter that if he as much as hinted at anything that she had confessed to him, she would lie to Monte. So she should—but God forbid that this added humiliation be brought upon her.
"You see, when I went I expected that he would be left to care for you. With him and his sister here, I knew you would n't be alone. I thought they'd stay, or if they went—you'd go with them."
"But why should n't I be alone?" she gathered strength to ask.
"Because," he answered quickly, "it is n't good for you. It is n't good for any one. Besides, it is n't right. When we were married I made certain promises, and those hold good until we're unmarried."
"Monte!" she cried.