“Vivienne,” said he, masterfully. “I have got to have you. I will take no more refusals or dilly-dallying.”
“When do you want me?” she asked.
“Now. As soon as you can get ready.”
She stood calmly before him and looked him in the eye.
“Do you think for one moment,” she said, “that I would enter your home while Héloise is there?”
Hartley cringed as if from an unexpected blow. He folded his arms and paced the carpet once or twice.
“She shall go,” he declared grimly. Drops stood upon his brow. “Why should I let that woman make my life miserable? Never have I seen one day of freedom from trouble since I have known her. You are right, Vivienne. Héloise must be sent away before I can take you home. But she shall go. I have decided. I will turn her from my doors.”
“When will you do this?” asked the girl.
Hartley clinched his teeth and bent his brows together.
“To-night,” he said, resolutely. “I will send her away to-night.”
“Then,” said Vivienne, “my answer is ‘yes.’ Come for me when you will.”
She looked into his eyes with a sweet, sincere light in her own. Hartley could scarcely believe that her surrender was true, it was so swift and complete.
“Promise me,” he said feelingly, “on your word and honour.”
“On my word and honour,” repeated Vivienne, softly.
