Class has saved me; it has triumphed over my most
primitive instincts.
"'I am going alone--back to my sentiments. No slight has been placed on
Bianca--but my married life having become a mockery, I shall not return
to it. The following address will find me, and I shall ask you presently
to send on my household gods.
"'Please let Bianca know the substance of this letter.
"'Ever your affectionate brother,
"'HILARY DALLISON."'
With a frown Stephen folded up the letter, and restored it to his breast
pocket.
'It's more bitter than I thought,' he reflected; 'and yet he's done the
only possible thing!'
Bianca was leaning her elbow on the mantelpiece with her face turned to
the wall. Her silence irritated Stephen, whose loyalty to his brother
longed to fend a vent.
"I'm very much relieved, of course," he said at last. "It would have
been fatal."
She did not move, and Stephen became increasingly aware that this was a
most awkward matter to touch on.
"Of course," he began again. "But, B., I do think you--rather--I
mean---" And again he stopped before her utter silence, her utter
immobility. Then, unable to go away without having in some sort
expressed his loyalty to Hilary, he tried once more: "Hilary is the
kindest man I know. It's not his fault if he's out of touch with
life--if he's not fit to deal with things.
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