Jasper had stepped close. He was a head taller and several inches

broader of shoulder than his brother-in-law. "As long as you are in my

house, don't insult me. I am, as you say, a Jew, and I am, as you say,

of a commercial family. But I am not, I have never been licentious. Is

it necessary to use such language? You suggested that this interview

be conducted by us like gentlemen."

"The man who refuses to give her liberty to a wife that loathes him,

scarcely comes under the definition."

"My ideas on the matter are different. We need not discuss them. If

you will let me read my wife's letter, I think that we can come to an

end of this."

Woodward unwillingly surrendered the small, gray envelope to a

quivering, outstretched hand. Jasper turned away and stood near the

lamp. But his excitement prevented him from reading. The angular

writing jumped before his eyes. At last, the words straightened

themselves.

I am glad that you have given me this opportunity to escape from a

life that for a long time has been dreadful to me. Ten years ago I

made a disaster of my life and yours. Forgive me if you can and

let me escape. I will not see you again. Whatever you may have to

say, please say it to Woodward. From now on he is my protector. In

other matters there are my lawyers. It is absolutely not to be

thought of that I should speak to you. I hope never to see you

alone. I want you to hate me and this note ought to make it easy

for you.

Betty Jasper stared at the name. He was utterly bewildered, utterly

staggered, by the amazing dissimulation practiced by this small,

soft-lipped, round-eyed girl who had lived with him for so long,

sufficiently pliable, sufficiently agreeable. What was back of it all?

Another man, of course. In imagination he was examining the faces of

his acquaintances, narrowing his lids as though the real men passed in

review before him.

"Perhaps you understand the situation better now?" asked Woodward

cruelly.

Jasper's intense pain and humiliation gave him a sort of calm. He

seemed entirely cool when he moved back toward his brother-in-law; his

eyes were clear, the heat had gone from his temples. He was even

smiling a little, though there was a white, even frame to his lips.

"I shall not write to Betty nor attempt to see her," he said quietly.

"But I shall ask you to take a message to her."




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