‘What does it matter?’

’Oh no; of course not;—­nothing to you.  I think I will go away now, Mr Montague.  It was very good of you to come and tell me all.  It makes it so much easier.’

‘Do you mean to say that—­you are going to—­throw me over?’

‘I don’t want you to throw Mrs Hurtle over.  Good bye.’

‘Hetta!’

’No; I will not have you lay your hand upon me.  Good night, Mr Montague.’  And so she left him.

Paul Montague was beside himself with dismay as he left the house.  He had never allowed himself for a moment to believe that this affair of Mrs Hurtle would really separate him from Hetta Carbury.  If...