So you see--the
journey was for you--to save you. I didn't want to see him again for
myself, though _his_ is real love. You're cold as ice. I don't believe
you know what love is. But all the same I can't be jilted by you--for
another woman. I won't have it, Stephen--after all I've gone through. If
you try to break your solemn word to me, I'll sue you. There'll be
another case that will drag your name before the public again, and not
only yours----"
"Be still, Margot," said Stephen.
She grew deadly pale. "I will not be still," she panted. "I _will_ have
justice. No one shall take you away from me."
"No one wishes to take me away," Stephen flung at her hotly. "Miss Ray
has just refused me. You've spared me the trouble of taking her
advice----"
"What was it?" Margot looked suddenly anxious, and at the same time
self-assertive.
"That I should go at once to England--and to you."
Victoria took a step forward, then paused, pale and trembling. "Oh,
Stephen!" she cried. "I take back that advice. I--I've changed my mind.
You can't--you can't do it. You would be so miserable that she'd be
wretched, too. I see now, it's not right to urge people to do things,
especially when--one only _thinks_ one understands. She doesn't love you
really. I feel almost sure she cares more for some one else, if--if it
were not for things you have, which she wants. If you're rich, as I
suppose you must be, don't make this sacrifice, which would crush your
soul, but give her half of all you have in the world, so that she can be
happy in her own way, and set you free gladly.
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