“I’m afraid you’re bound to meet her occasionally.”
“I don’t think she’ll try to force a meeting.” Eric passed his hand over his eyes, and his mother looked at him with concern. He was beginning to shew her so many familiar danger-marks; and she prayed that he would make up his mind before his nerves broke down again. “I may be wrong,” he went on slowly; “it may be my colossal egotism, but I thought that under all the vitality she was profoundly miserable. It wasn’t an exhibition of remorse conducted for my benefit. I think she saw that she’d made a mistake and put all her money on a losing number. She didn’t trouble to hide it....”
“Well, my dear, she has only herself to thank.”
Eric shivered involuntarily:
“I don’t wish my worst enemy that degree of torture. And I can see no way out of it for her.”
“And, even if you could, it wouldn’t be your business. She must lead her life, Eric, and you must lead yours.”
CHAPTER NINE
A DOUBLE ESCAPE
“... Love so, then, if thou wilt! Give all thou canst