“I passed the nursery just now. Your wife was there, and she was alone with the baby. She did not see me, and she was crying bitterly, and tears are nearly strangers to Mildred’s eyes. Ah! I am glad that affects you a little. I don’t mean to suggest that she hasn’t faults, but at heart Mildred is a fine woman. She may have been selfish, but she is loyal through and through, and I honestly believe that she has learned to care for you.”
She watched him anxiously, and was encouraged to proceed, for she noticed that his face had grown white, and there was a look of utter misery in his eyes.
“I must confess that when I was present at your wedding, I imagined that she was selling herself to you, for I could see nothing attractive in your personality; and, girl as I was, I knew something of the way in which the world talked of you. All the time I was in France I was wondering how you were getting on together, and when I came home a few days ago I was amazed, for I believed that Mildred cared for you. What I have seen since has confirmed me in that belief.”
She paused as if expecting him to make some remark, but Gaunt remained silent.
“I have no doubt that you love Mildred. At times I have seen an expression in your eyes when you have been talking to her that rather frightened me. But I think that I should like to be loved in the same way,” she added pensively, and Gaunt uttered a harsh laugh.
“You love Mildred, and she loves you. That being so, may I ask what all this wretched fuss is about?” she demanded angrily.
“I repeat that I think that you had better mind your own business.”
“I have asked Mildred and she will tell me nothing. Mr. Drake and his brother have practically admitted that there is a secret but they won’t tell me what it is. I could not press them for an answer, but you are different.”
Suddenly her whole manner changed, softening wondrously.
“John, dear, I like you, for I believe you to be a good sort. Not exactly the man that I should have chosen to be Mildred’s husband, but I believe that you are the only one that could make her happy. I know you look upon me as a little fool, and perhaps you aren’t far wrong; but I love Mildred, and hate to see her miserable. Go to her now, take her in your arms and kiss her. Pack up your traps and clear off together.”