What shall I do?—I reflected, as I went my weary way through the classes. Richard solved that question for me when he returned after an absence of three days.
My pupils had just retired when a message came that he had returned and desired to see me in the library. With a heavy heart I went to meet him. He was not alone. A tall, passionate-looking woman, with dark hair and restless eyes, sat beside him. She was richly appareled, and gazed at me with a haughty stare as I entered.
Richard nodded to me a bare recognition and said, “I have sent for you, as I wish you to inform your pupils that they must leave in the morning. I have other uses for this building.”
At this cool announcement I staggered. Good God! would he undo me? What plan had he now in view? “Remove my pupils!” I exclaimed.
“Yes; do I not speak clearly? And as you have been plotting and scheming for some time against me, I would advise you to leave, also. Bristed Hall,” said he sneeringly, “is likely to prove an agreeable shelter to you.”
“_I_ leave!” said I, now fairly awake to the danger. “What do you mean, sir?”
“I mean,” he replied with diabolical blandness, “that this lady is my wife, and will from this time take charge of this establishment.”
“Richard Bristed, you cannot, dare not make that assertion! I am your wife, though I acknowledge it with shame and sorrow. He has misled you, madam,” said I, turning to the lady. “You are mistaken if you suppose I shall abandon my rights.”
“Ha, ha!” he laughed, “_she_ knows all about you. You cannot enlighten her, so you had better hasten and pack your trunks.”
“I shall not leave, sir; I shall defend my position here. I am a woman, and you shall not sully my fair name,” said I, maddened by his manner. “Your brother will help me—the law will aid me. Here I remain!”