“Why not? Haven’t you a very great liking for him?”
“Yes, I have. I would do almost anything in the world for him.”
“Then do what I tell you.”
“What is it?”
“See him privately in his office, and tell him to leave his daughter alone. Warn him that if he does not there will be a tragedy.”
“Tell me exactly what you mean.”
“She will commit suicide.”
This statement, solemnly given, seemed to me so utterly absurd that it relieved the tension which was creeping into the occasion. I leaned back in my chair and laughed until I saw a look of pained surprise come into Hilda’s face, which instantly sobered me.
“Really, Hilda, you are the very best girl in the world, yet it is you who do not understand that young woman. She is too thoroughly selfish to commit suicide, or to do anything else to her own injury.”