Isn't that
dreadful?''
``Nothing to be proud of,'' said Cyrilla. ``But a
very usual transaction.''
``And then,'' pursued Mildred, ``I discovered that
I--that I'd not be able to make a career. But still
I kept on, though I've been trying to force myself to--
to show some pride and self-respect. I discovered it
only a short time ago, and it wasn't really until to-day
that I was absolutely sure.''
``You ARE sure?''
``There's hardly a doubt,'' replied Mildred. ``But
never mind that now. I've got to make a living at
something, and while I'm learning whatever it is, I've
got to have money to live on. And I can get it only
from him. Now, he asks me to marry him. He
wouldn't ask me if he didn't think I was going to be
a great singer. He doesn't know it, but I do.''
Mrs. Brindley smiled sweetly.
``And he thinks that I love him, also. If I accept
him, it will be under doubly false pretenses. If I refuse
him I've got to stop taking the money.''
A long silence; then Mrs. Brindley said: ``Women--
the good ones, too--often feel that they've a right to
treat men as men treat them.
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