“You once lived in San Francisco, and also in San Bernardino, did you not?”
“Yes, and I should have stayed there.”
“You came to see Bessie, did you not?”
“Yes, but I did not have the least idea that she had gone mad. I thought I’d come and take a look at her once more. She was a little beauty, and she would be yet if it was not for those wild-looking eyes of hers. I wonder what made her crazy?”
“Max Brunswick, you feign ignorance of Bessie’s trouble, but you know how you flattered her while at school, how you wrecked her young life and brought a dark cloud over one of the happiest of homes—a cloud which never can be lifted, for poor little Bessie’s disgrace and her love for you has made her incurably insane, and, one day your child and hers will confront you and show you the cause of all her heartaches.”
“I wish the girl had been in the asylum before she saw me and gave me that dose of lead.”
“You no doubt thought her still full of confidence and as easily flattered as ever.”
“Well, yes, I did think perhaps she was as lovable as ever, and to tell the truth I was a little homesick to see her and I thought perhaps she would overlook 288 my leaving her as I did, for she did love me to distraction.”
“Where have you left Irene Wilmer?”
Max started as though he would spring from his bed, but Miss Elsworth gently moved him back.