Kitty grasped her by the arm.
"Do you mean," she said incredulously, "do you mean you're going to sacrifice Peter to Roger?"
"It won't hurt Peter—now—as it would have done before." Nan spoke rather tonelessly. "He's already lost his faith and trust in me. The worst wrench for him is over. I—I think"—a little unevenly—"that I'm glad now he thought what he did—that he couldn't find it in his heart to forgive me. It'll make it easier for him."
"Easier? Yes, if you actually do what you say you will. But—you're deliberately taking away his happiness, robbing him of it, even though he doesn't know he's being robbed. Good heavens, Nan!"—harshly—"Did you ever love him?"
"I don't think you want an answer to that question," returned Nan gently. "But, you see, I can't—divide myself—between Peter and Roger."
"Of course you can't! Only why sacrifice both yourself and Peter to
Roger? It isn't reasonable!"
"Because I think he needs me most. Just picture it, Kitty. He's got nothing left to look forward to till he dies! Nothing! . . . Oh, I can't add to what he'll have to bear! He's so helpless!"
"You'll have plenty to bear yourself—tied to a helpless man of Roger's temper," retorted "Kitty.
"Yes"—soberly—"I think—I'm prepared for that."
"Prepared?"