Richard moved a step towards the door.
Molly read it, and looked up amazed. She read it again, and her cheek flamed. And a third time. Then she returned the letter to Hilarie.
"Wretch!" she said.
Since Hilarie used the same word to express the same idea, there is no doubt that the dictionary ought to have a special line on this meaning of the word "wretch."
"Do you understand it, Molly?"
"There can be no doubt about it, Hilarie. Won't you make him go?"
Hilarie pointed to the door contemptuously, as one dismisses a messenger or a boy; not in the tragic vein at all, but by a little gesture of her forefinger. Dick threw the door open with a gesture of command.
Humphrey obeyed, with an effort at preserving some appearance of dignity. To be found out under such circumstances, to be exposed in such a manner, to be ordered off the premises so contemptuously, would make the proudest of men leave the room with the appearance of ignominy.
"Molly, my dear," said Hilarie, "when you think of the man and what he is, you will never regret him."
She laid her head upon Hilarie's shoulder with a deep, deep sigh.