“Dick!”⁠ ⁠… She dropped the flowers on the floor and thought no more about them. “Dick!”

“Oh, you need have no fear! I do not suppose,” bitterly, “that I have the courage to face them all now⁠—after six years.”

Lavinia moved restlessly, brushing her hand along the couch.

“You will not do it, Richard? Promise! You will not? I could not bear the disgrace of it; promise me you will never do it?”

“No,” he said slowly, not looking at her. “No, I cannot promise that.”

She sprang to her feet, flinging her broidery from her carelessly, and waved fierce, agitated little hands.