“Very much as if she wished me amid the ruins of Persepolis, where I certainly shall be before I inflict anything more upon her.  Cornelia, do not ask or expect me to come here again, for I will not; of course, it is quite as palpable to you as to me that I am no favorite with your parents, and something still less with your cousin.  Consequently, you need not expect to see me here again.”

“Do not say so, Beulah; you must, you shall come, and I will see that no one dares interfere with my wishes.  As for Antoinette, she is simply a vain idiot; you might just as well be told the truth, for doubtless you will see it for yourself.  She is my mother’s niece, an only child, and possessed of considerable wealth.  I suppose it is rather natural that my parents should fondle the idea of her being Eugene’s wife.  They do not see how utterly unsuited they are.  Eugene will, of course, inherit the fortune which I once imagined I should have the pleasure of squandering.  My father and mother dread lest Eugene should return to his ‘boyish fancy’ (as you are pleased to term it), and look on you with jealous eyes.  Oh, Mammon is the God of this generation.  But, Beulah, you must not allow all this miserable maneuvering to keep you from me.  If you do, I will very soon succeed in making this home of mine very unpleasant for Antoinette Dupres.  When I am dead she can wheedle my family as successfully as they choose to permit; but while I do live she shall forbear.  Poor, contemptible human nature!  Verily, I rejoice sometimes when I remember that I shall not be burdened with any of it long.”  An angry spot burned on each pallid cheek, and the beautiful mouth curled scornfully.

“Do not excite yourself so unnecessarily, Cornelia.  What you may or may not think of your relatives is no concern of mine.  You have a carriage always at your command, and when you desire to see a real friend, you can visit me.  Let this suffice for this subject.  Suppose we have a game of chess or backgammon?  What do you say?”

She wheeled a light table toward the hearth; but the invalid motioned it away, and answered moodily: 

“I am in no humor for games.  Sit down and tell me about your leaving Dr. Hartwell’s protection.”

“I have nothing to tell.”

“He is a singular being?”

Receiving no answer, she added impatiently: 

“Don’t you think so?”

“I do, in the sense of great superiority.”

“The world is not so flattering in its estimate.”

“No; for slander loves a lofty mark.”

“Beulah Benton, do you mean that for me?”

“Not unless you feel that it applies to you particularly.”

“If he is so faultless and unequaled, pray, why did not you remain in his house?”

“I am not in the habit of accounting to anyone for my motives or my actions.”  She lifted her slender form haughtily.

“In which case the public has a habit of supplying both.”