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Archer had been stunned by old Catherine's news It was only natural that Madaton in response to her grandmother's summons; but that she should have decided to reott had alained her health--was less easy to explain
Archer was sure that Madae in her financial situation He knew the exact figure of the small income which her husband had allowed her at their separation Without the addition of her grandh to live on, in any sense known to the Mingott vocabulary; and now that Medora Manson, who shared her life, had been ruined, such a pittance would barely keep the tomen clothed and fed Yet Archer was convinced that Madarandmother's offer froenerosity and the spase fortunes, and indifferent to s which her relations considered indispensable, and Mrs Lovell Mingott and Mrs Welland had often been heard to deplore that any one who had enjoyed the cosmopolitan luxuries of Count Olenski's establishs were done" Moreover, as Archer knew, several months had passed since her allowance had been cut off; yet in the interval she had randed her course it must be for a different reason
He did not have far to seek for that reason On the way from the ferry she had told him that he and she must remain apart; but she had said it with her head on his breast He knew that there was no calculated coquetry in her words; she was fighting her fate as he had fought his, and clinging desperately to her resolve that they should not break faith with the people who trusted the the ten days which had elapsed since her return to New York she had perhaps guessed fro no atte a decisive step, a step froht, a sudden fear of her oeakness ht have felt that, after all, it was better to accept the compromise usual in such cases, and follow the line of least resistance
An hour earlier, when he had rung Mrs Mingott's bell, Archer had fancied that his path was clear before him He hadthat, to learn frorand to Washington In that train he intended to join her, and travel with her to Washington, or as o His own fancy inclined to Japan At any rate she would understand at once that, wherever she went, he was going He meant to leave a note for May that should cut off any other alternative