There was the sound of choking sobs, and in an instant, Garston was on his knees before her. The silence was broken by her faltering accents.
“But now, freed by Nature’s reincarnation, loyal even yet to a dead past, I exult in the unchallenged ownership of my mind, body and soul. You would take to your bosom the woman you still find fair, rich, powerful and respected. Never! Nature revolts!
“For the starving outcast of the streets who sells herself for bread to the first chance comer were white as snow compared to the woman who would again sink to your level.
“Arnold Cranstoun, any man in the world but you may look on me with longing eyes.
“Between us there is the gulf of your eternal shame! Now, leave me. I fear you not! Let all else go on as fate ordains.
“Your silence will be assured, for fear will seal your lips. Let there be neither approach nor avoidance—simply the oblivion of the absolute divorce of all laws, God’s, Nature’s, and man’s.
“Go now! If you ever seek to cross my path, beware! You may haunt the peopled solitudes around me and meet me as a chance acquaintance.
“Your ‘society drill’ will hold you in your place in the poor parade of this superficial life.”
She dropped her eyes, and her impassioned voice echoed sadly on his ears. He was defeated, and an agony rent his heart.
“Let me do something for you, Margaret,” he pleaded.