"I was glad to get even this, for I have no pride now," she returned, coldly. "At least the house is honest, and the men who come here are the same. Mr. O'Neil is especially kind to Natalie, and she thinks a great deal of him."
"I presume he wants to marry her."
"I pray that he will. I don't intend her to make the mistake I did."
Gordon received this announcement with grim satisfaction. It was what he had suspected, and it fitted perfectly into his plans.
"I sha'n't allow this to continue, Gloria," he said. "Our difference has gone far enough, and I sha'n't permit O'Neil to put me in his debt. We have come to a final understanding, he and I. While my views on the holiness of the marriage relation have not changed in the least, still I am ready to follow your wishes."
"You—mean it?" she queried, breathlessly.
"I do. Come home, Gloria."
"Wait! I must tell Natalie." She rose unsteadily and left the room, while he reflected with mingled scorn and amusement upon the weakness of human nature and the gullibility of women.
A moment later mother and daughter appeared, arm in arm, both very pale.
"Is this true?" Natalie demanded.