“I don't care,” said Maria, still in the same lifeless tone. “I am going away.”
“Going where?”
“To Springfield. I don't know. Anywhere.”
Wollaston leaned over her and spoke in a whisper. “Maria, do you want me to take steps to have it annulled?” he asked. “It could be very easily done. There was, after all, no marriage. It is simply a question of legality. No moral question is involved.”
A burning blush spread over Maria's face. She snatched her hand away from his. “Do you think I could bear it?” she whispered back, fiercely.
“Bear what?” asked the young man, in a puzzled tone.
“The publicity, the—newspapers. Nobody has known, not one of my relatives. Do you think I could bear it?”
“I will keep the secret as long as you desire,” said Wollaston. “I only wish to act honorably and for your happiness.”
“There is only one reason which could induce me to give my consent to the terrible publicity,” said Maria.
“What is that?”