“I was too durned softhearted to do it a second time. I can’t tell you how I wish I had, though. You’ve led a poor kind of life for the last few years, Ruth.”
“It has not been very—agreeable,” agreed Mrs. Kettering.
“That’s why I say to you that this thing has got to stop !” He brought his hand down with a bang on the table. “You may have a hankering after the fellow still. Cut it out. Face facts. Derek Kettering married you for your money. That’s all there is to it. Get rid of him, Ruth.”
Ruth Kettering looked down at the ground for some moments, then she said, without raising her head:
“Supposing he doesn’t consent?”
Van Aldin looked at her in astonishment.
“He won’t have a say in the matter.”
She flushed and bit her lip.
“No—no—of course not. I only meant—”
She stopped. Her father eyed her keenly.
“What did you mean?”
“I meant—” She paused, choosing her words carefully. “He mayn’t take it lying down.”
The millionaire’s chin shot out grimly.
“You mean he’ll fight the case? Let him! But, as a matter of fact, you’re wrong. He won’t fight. Any solicitor he consults will tell him he hasn’t a leg to stand upon.”