“Oh, Mrs. Laurens, I was afraid you were dead!” she exclaimed.
“I wish I were!” sighed the poor girl, bitterly, realizing all her desolation, and the maid, who had cleverly found out all that had passed, thought that it would indeed be better for the deserted wife.
She saw the dark eyes wandering wistfully around the room, and said, compassionately:
“All the family are gone away, ma’am, and Mr. Laurens gave me this note for you.”
Molly took it with trembling fingers and read the angry words:
“The same roof could not shelter you and those whom you deceived, traitress! so we have all gone away and left you. Pray accept the use of the house as long as you wish. It was taken for the season, and no one will molest you in its occupancy. The servants also you may command, but for myself and my family we are from henceforth strangers to one so false and wicked. Still, for the sake of the love I had for you once, I will arrange with my lawyers for a sum to be paid you yearly, that you may be kept from want or further sin. You may call on them and get all particulars. Farewell forever.
“Cecil Laurens.”
The sheet of paper dropped from Molly’s fingers and unconsciousness again stole over her—unconsciousness so deep that she did not rouse at the furious ringing of the door-bell that announced an impatient visitor who a minute later was admitted into the room.
It was Cecil Laurens’ brother, Dr. Charley, who had run over from Paris for a little visit with his home folks, and who now cried out in amazement as he stumbled and nearly fell over the form of his beautiful sister-in-law.