Unconsciously I was speaking as if I knew where Olivia was, and could communicate with her when I chose.  I was merely anticipating the time when Tardif felt sure of hearing from her.  Foster lay still, watching me with his cold, keen eyes.

“If those letters are forged,” he said, uneasily, “it is Olivia who has forged them.  But I must consult my lawyers.  I will let you know the result in a few days.”

But the same evening I received a note, desiring me to go and see him immediately.  I was myself in a fever of impatience, and glad at the prospect of any settlement “of this subject, in the hope of setting Olivia free, as far as she could be free during his lifetime.  He was looking brighter and better than in the morning, and an odd smile played now and then about his face as he talked to me, after having desired Mrs. Foster to leave us alone together.

“Mark!” he said, “I have not the slightest reason to doubt Olivia’s death, except your own opinion to the contrary, which is founded upon reasons of which I know nothing.  But, acting on the supposition that she may be still alive, I am quite willing to enter into negotiations with her, I suppose it must be through you.”

“It must,” I answered, “and it cannot be at present.  You will have to wait for some months, perhaps, while I pursue my search for her.  I do not know where she is any more than you do.”

A vivid gleam crossed his face at these words, but whether of incredulity or satisfaction I could not tell.

“But suppose I die in the mean time?” he objected.

That objection was a fair and obvious one.  His malady would not pause in its insidious attack while I was seeking Olivia.  I deliberated for a few minutes, endeavoring to look at a scheme which presented itself to me from every point of view.

“I do not know that I might not leave you in your present position,” I said at last; “it may be I am acting from an over-strained sense of duty.  But if you will give me a formal deed protecting her from yourself, I am willing to advance the funds necessary to remove you to purer air, and more open quarters than these.  A deed of separation, which both of you must sign, can be drawn up, and receive your signature.  There will be no doubt as to getting hers, when we find her.  But that may be some months hence, as I said.  Still I will run the risk.”

“For her sake?” he said, with a sneer.

“For her sake, simply,” I answered; “I will employ a lawyer to draw up the deed, and as soon as you sign it I will advance the money you require.  My treatment of your disease I shall begin at once; that falls, under my duty as your doctor; but I warn you that fresh air and freedom from agitation are almost, if not positively, essential to its success.  The sooner you secure these for yourself, the better your chance.”

Some further conversation passed between us, as to the stipulations to be insisted upon, and the division of the yearly income from Olivia’s property, for I would not agree to her alienating any portion of it.  Foster wished to drive a hard bargain, still with that odd smile on his face; and it was after much discussion that we came to an agreement.