"Why, frankly, knowing what I do, I should believe that Mrs. Bloodgood had decided to run away," he answered slowly; "which means, of course, one man. I am sorry. I could not help hearing."
Mrs. Kildair had seated herself on the Récamier sofa and was studying him, undecided as to what she should say.
"You have heard too much, Teddy, not to know all," she said, reassured by the directness of his glance. "Besides, in twenty-four hours it will be in every paper in the country. I do not need to ask your promise to keep secret what you have heard. She is leaving her home and going openly away with Mr. Majendie—this very afternoon."
"Majendie running off?" said Beecher, astounded.
"Yes."
"Now—at such a time as this—when he is under fire? I don't believe it!"
"I should not have believed it either," said Mrs. Kildair thoughtfully.
"I know his kind," declared Beecher warmly; "he would never commit such a folly—never!"
"And yet, that is what is going to happen."
"That is terrible. Doesn't she realize that he lays himself open to every charge? He'll be called a defaulter and an absconder—it is worse than death!"