She let him hold her hands close but the tears were running down her face.
"John, I told him I wouldn't take it!"
"You told him you wouldn't take your freedom?" His tone was incredulous, dumbfounded.
She had only enough voice to murmur: "I—I can't!"
He dropped her hands and sprang up. "You don't care a pin for me! You love him!"
She could not endure that. "I don't, but—oh, can't you see? How can I? I did it myself—he's done nothing since; what right have I to make all this scandal just—just to be happy? Isn't there something higher? I've—I've got to take my punishment."
He looked at her with a set face, blanched until the tan showed in a band across his brow and cheeks.
"And how about me? Am I to be punished too?"
She got up then and went to him and put her arms around his neck; he felt her shivering from head to foot. "John, do you want to kill me? I can't bear any more. You know I love you. I'm trying hard to do the right thing just because I have to; I've been almost wicked in thinking of it, but now, John—you've got to go."
"See here, Rachel, I've always tried to be straight, to be honest, but I'm a scoundrel now. I told Belhaven I was making love to you and I am. I'd—I'd take you away with me this minute if you'd go! He'd get a divorce then."