''
Mildred, quivering, started up, sank weakly back
again.
``But,'' he went on, ``you will easily prove that your
money is your inheritance from your father. I assured
myself of that before I consented to come here.''
``Consented?'' said Mildred. ``At whose request?''
``That of my own generosity,'' replied he. ``But
my honor had to be reassured. When I was satisfied
that you were innocent, and simply flighty and foolish,
I came. If there had been any taint upon you, of
course I could not have taken you back. As it is, I am
willing--I may say, more than willing. Mrs. Baird
can be bought off and frightened off. When she finds
you have me to protect you, she will move very
cautiously, you may be sure.''
As the little man talked, Mildred saw and felt behind
the mask the thoughts, the longings of his physical
infatuation for her coiling and uncoiling and reaching
tremulously out toward her like unclean, horrible
tentacles. She was drawn as far as could be back
into her chair, and her soul was shrinking within her
body.
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