“I must, my dear boy. Now, look here. After being guilty of one wrong to that poor little woman of yours, how can I do her another by taking her husband away?”
“I am no longer her husband, and she is no longer my wife,” said Dutch, sternly. “I tell you I shall go.”
“No, no; I will not let you.”
“I am your partner, and I shall insist upon it. Stay at home and let me take the lead in the expedition. You may trust me.”
“Better than I would myself,” said Mr Parkley, warmly.
“Then let me go. It will be a relief to me from the torture I have suffered these last weeks. Parkley, you cannot dream of what I have felt.”
“Do you really earnestly mean all this?” said Mr Parkley, gazing in the other’s troubled face.
“Mean it? Yes, it would be a real kindness.”
“Time cures all wounds,” said Mr Parkley, “so perhaps it will be best, and you will make arrangements for her while you are away.”
“She has the house,” said Dutch, bitterly, “and what money I have. I shall write to her mother to join her. Is that enough?”