His words came jerking over the wire, sharp and querulous. She closed her eyes in anticipation of the blow, her body rigid.
“I'm sorry to disturb you,” he was saying, “but I just had to call you up.” The words were disjointed, as if he forced them from his lips in a supreme effort at coherency.
“Yes, yes—it's all right. I don't mind. You did right. What is it?”
“I want you to release me from my promise.”
“Release you? Oh, Freddy!” It was a wail that issued from her lips. Her body sagged limply, she steadied herself by leaning against the wall for support.
“You've got to, Lydia. There's no other way. Something has happened to-night, dear. You've got to———”
“Has he—has he———” Her throat closed up as if gripped by a strong hand.
“I'm sorry to drag you out of bed to tell you———”
“Freddy, Freddy!”
“To tell you that I must withdraw my promise, even if you refuse to release me. Oh, I'm not excited, I'm not crazy, I'm not drunk! I never was so steady in my life. To-night has made a man of me. I know just where I stand at last. Now go back to bed, dearest, and don't worry about anything. I couldn't go ahead until I'd asked you to release me from the promise I made.”