"I must go," I cried, quite ashamed of myself in my heart. Baxter's credulity had expanded again, in the sun of Hildreth's forgiveness of him for his unjust suspicions!...
For the first time in my life I perceived how a desperate woman can twist a man any way she wants.
"No, you must not go! it is I who am going—to show that I trust you."
"Good God!" I protested—this was too much! "no, no ... good-night, both of you ... good-night, Penton! good-night, Hildreth!"
Penton Baxter stepped in my way, took hold of one of my hands in both of his....
"Please, Johnnie, please, dear friend ... I wish you to stay while I myself go. Finish reading the poem to Hildreth ... I think I have been too harsh in my judgment of both of you ... only please do be more discreet, if only for appearance's sake, in the future....
"Sit down where you were. I wish to show that I trust you both....
"Good-night, Hildreth!" and he kissed his wife in fond contrition.
"Good-night, Johnnie ... forgive me!"
And he wavered out at the door, his face set in pain.