Haines nodded affirmatively.
"I suppose so. I'm thinking of that. How am I to leave him? We've been so close. I've been so fond of him. I don't know how I could tell him."
In girlish, friendly fashion Carolina rested her hand on his arm.
"Won't you take my advice, Mr. Haines? Go away without seeing him. Just leave a note to say you have gone. He will understand. It will be easier for both that way—easier for him, easier for you." She paused, looking at him appealingly as she ended very softly, "And easier for me, Mr. Haines."
He looked at her thoughtfully.
"Easier for you?" he said. "Very well, I'll do it that way."
The secretary stepped slowly to his desk, sat down and started to write the note. Carolina watched him curiously.
"What will you do," she asked, "now that you have given up this position?"
"Oh, I can always go back to newspaper work," he answered without looking up.
The term "newspaper work" gave Carolina a shock. She had forgotten that this man had been a reporter. Here he was turned loose with the knowledge of this "deal," which she knew would be popular material for newspapers to print. She must gain still another point, and she felt that she had enough power to win against him.