“But if your life is in danger, come away for God’s sake. After all, you’re free. He can’t stop you.”
“I should have to go back to him as I did last time,” she answered, shaking her head. “I thought I was free then, but gradually I knew that he was calling me. I tried to resist, but I couldn’t. I simply had to go to him.”
“But it’s awful to think that you are alone with a man who’s practically raving mad.”
“I’m safe for to-day,” she said quietly. “It can only be done in the very hot weather. If there’s no more this year, I shall live till next summer.”
“Oh, Margaret, for God’s sake don’t talk like that. I love you—I want to have you with me always. Won’t you come away with me and let me take care of you? I promise you that no harm shall come to you.”
“You don’t love me any more; you’re only sorry for me now.”
“It’s not true.”
“Oh, yes, it is. I saw it when we were in the country. Oh, I don’t blame you. I’m a different woman from the one you loved. I’m not the Margaret you knew.”
“I can never care for anyone but you.”
She put her hand on his arm.
“If you ever loved me I implore you to go. You don’t know what you expose me to. And when I’m dead you must marry Susie. She loves you with all her heart, and she deserves your love.”
“Margaret, don’t go. Come with me.”
