Mrs. Talbot was silent. She began to realize it herself.
"How is this going to end?" she asked, half crying.
"Don't mind me, mother. I'll get out some way."
"I will ask James—Mr. Talbot for the key."
"He won't give it to you. Let things take their course. I will consider what is best to be done. But first, is there any other key in the house that will fit this door?"
"No, I don't think so."
When Mrs. Talbot went downstairs her husband was half through breakfast.
"I am afraid your breakfast will be cold, my dear," he said.
"How can you act so meanly, James?"