"That is all. I can't have him treated as if he were an adventurer."
"You want him dismissed?"
"Yes."
"A man can't distinguish as to the terms of a dismissal. They're always insolent,—more insolent than ever if you try to make them kindly. I should merely make this as short and sharp as possible."
"Yes," she said breathlessly, as if the idea affected her respiration.
"But I will show it to you, and I won't send it without your approval."
"Thank you. But I shall not want to see it. I'd rather not." She was going out of the room.
"Will you leave me his letter? You can have it again."
She turned red in giving it him. "I forgot. Why, it's written to you, anyway!" she cried, with a laugh, and put the letter on the table.
The two doors opened and closed: one excluded Lily, and the other admitted Mrs. Elmore.