He made no reply, but he did not scowl and turn his back as he had done whenever Holt had tentatively mentioned her name before. The sight of his familiar beloved books had softened his harsh spirit, and the hideous chasm between his present and his past seemed visibly shrinking. His tones, however, had not softened when he asked curtly after a moment:
"What is the meaning of it all? Why is she here? Is Talbot dead?"
"No, he divorced her."
"Divorced her? Madeleine?" He almost sat upright. Mrs. Abbott could not have looked more horrified. "Is this some infernal joke?"
"Are you strong enough to hear the whole story? I warn you it isn't a pretty one. But I've promised her I would tell you—"
"What did he divorce her for?"
"Desertion. There was worse behind."
"Do you mean to tell me there was another man? I'll break your neck."
"There was no other man. I'll give you a few drops of digitalis, although you must have the heart of an ox—"
"Give me a drink. I'm sick of your damn physic. Don't worry. I'm out of that, and I shan't go back."