She wished that Violet would break to him the news of her changed appearance before he saw her himself.
Violet went away from that visit to the darkened, invalid chamber awed and saddened, and a little self-reproachful. She remembered how bitterly she had used to hate Jaquelina for that dazzling beauty that had won Ronald Valchester's heart. Of all that wondrous charm there remained only a memory now.
"She is an object to pity and sympathize with, but never to admire again," she told her brother in the first shock of his disappointment.
Walter's handsome face grew pale with dread and sorrow.
"You must prepare yourself for a great alteration, Walter," Violet continued. "Her face is red and scarred, her hair is all burned off short, even her long lashes are scorched and spoiled. It will be some time before anyone can look at her without a shudder. You may love your wife, Walter, but you can never be proud of her."
Walter shuddered at her emphatic words.
"Do not tell me any more, Violet," he groaned. "I cannot bear it. You only torture me. Let me find it out for myself."
"If you cannot bear to hear of it I do not know how you will bear the terrible reality," retorted Violet.
Walter could not answer her. He longed yet dreaded for the morrow.