"Do not fear; I shall not take him from you, unless in the event to which we have alluded. But I hope you will let me see him while he is so near me. When do you propose to leave Washington?"
"On the day after to-morrow. I only came yesterday."
"Ah! then I shall look for Norah, to-morrow—you have Norah with you?"
"Yes, of course."
"Then I shall expect Norah and my baby to call on me quite punctually, at ten to-morrow. I want to see all I can of the little fellow while he is here."
He penciled his address on a card, and laid it on the marble mantel. She watched him mutely as he turned toward her, thinking gravely to herself what a great, grand, kingly nature was marred by the jealous passion that laid waste the fair garden of this man's soul.
"Hear me now, Grace, and understand that what I wrote you in my parting note is still my wish. You will remain in our home with our little boy; command my banker for unlimited sums, and be as happy as you can. Do not, I beg of you, seek to see me again."
"No," she answers, slowly and proudly; "the next time, you will seek me!"
"Indeed, I hope so," he gravely answers, "so do not worry, and think as kindly of me as you can until we meet again."