“I want to part. I believe I ought to part.”

“Well?”

“But then my affection comes in.”

“That extraordinary—TENDERNESS of yours?”

“I’m afraid.”

“Of what?”

“Anyone might get hold of her—if I let her down. She hasn’t a tithe of the ordinary coolheaded calculation of an average woman.... I’ve a duty to her genius. I’ve got to take care of her.”

To which the doctor made no reply.

“Nevertheless the idea of parting has been very much in my mind lately.”

“Letting her go FREE?”