"You should have thought of all this, madam, before you plotted for the ruin of my life; I am not responsible for the consequences of your treachery and crime."
"Crime! that is an ugly word," tartly cried Mrs. Goddard, who began to find the tax upon her patience almost greater than she could bear.
"Nevertheless, it is the correct term to apply to what you have done—it is what I shall charge you with—"
"What! do you dare to tell me that you intend to appeal to the courts?" exclaimed madam, aghast.
She had fondly imagined that, the deed once done, the girl having no friends whose protection she could claim, would make the best of it, and gracefully yield to the situation.
"That is what I intend to do."
Anna Goddard's face was almost livid at this intrepid response.
"And you utterly refuse to listen to reason?" she inquired, struggling hard for self-control.
"I utterly refuse to be known as Emil Correlli's wife, if that is what you mean by 'reason,'" said Edith, calmly.
"Girl! girl! take care—do not try my patience too far," cried her companion, with a flash of passion, "or we may have to resort to desperate measures with you."