“Unfortunately, yes,” she answered, sighing.
He went on, with grave seriousness:
“The little one that is coming to me had no part in the sin of its ignorant young mother, and should not bear the consequences of her treachery. Neither would it be right that a shadow should rest on the mother that the world might visit on the child. Therefore, it is best that I should go through another ceremony with her, to make all things secure for honor’s sake.”
“You will live with her again?”
With a slight flush he answered:
“Nominally, yes. That is to say, she will be an inmate of my home, and I shall treat her with respect before my household and before the world. But, beyond that, we shall be as utter strangers.”
“She ought to be thankful for even that grace. Few would have granted so much, but the honor of the Laurens is above everything else. Still, it will be a hard life for you, my son.”
“If I can not endure it, I will travel,” he replied.
“You will be an exile for the sake of that girl, your life spoiled, your heart empty—oh, it is cruel!” she exclaimed.
“Do not pity me, mother, I can not bear it!” he said, hastily, then rising: “I think I must get Charley and go out as we have to make arrangements for that private ceremony in the morning. Of course you know it must be managed so that it may never come to the world’s ears?”