"I wish I looked upon the matter as you do," she said, slowly. "But other people haven't the same social ideas as we. I'm—crushed, and she—Poor child! I don't know how she had the courage to face it. Now that she has heard the truth from my own lips I'm afraid it will kill her."
Gordon laughed. "Nonsense! Natalie is a sensible girl. Disillusionment is always painful, but never fatal. Sooner or later the young must confront the bald facts of life, and I venture to say she will soon forget her school-girl morality. Let me explain my views of—"
"Never!" cried the woman, aghast. "If you do I shall—" She checked herself and buried her face in her hands. "I feel no regrets for myself—for I drifted with my eyes open—but this—this is different. Don't you understand? I am a mother. Or are you dead to all decent feeling?"
"My dear, I'm the most tender-hearted of men. Of course I shall say nothing, if you prefer, for I am subservient to your commands in all things. But calm yourself. What is done cannot be undone."
In more even tones Mrs. Gerard said, "You seem to think the matter is ended, but it isn't. Natalie will never allow us to continue this way, and it isn't just to her that we should. We can't go on, Curtis."
"You mean I must marry you?"
She nodded.
He rose and paced the room before answering. "I always supposed you understood my views on that subject. Believe me, they are unalterable, and in no way the result of a pose."
"Nevertheless, for my sake and Natalie's you will do it. I can't lose the one thing I love best in the world."
"It would seem that Natalie has filled your head with silly notions," he exclaimed, impatiently.