"I have thought of a plan," he continued, "which
can be easily carried out. On our estate not twenty miles from
here--there is a little house called the Dower House--a house where the
dowagers of the family have generally resided. It is near Winiston, a
small country town. A housekeeper and two servants live in the house
now, and keep it in order. You will be happy there, my darling, I am
sure, as far as is possible. I will see that you have everything you
need or require."
She listened as one who hears but dimly.
"You have no objection to raise, have you, Madaline?"
"No," she replied, "it matters little where I live; I only pray that my
life may be short."
"Hush, my darling. You pain me."
"Oh, Norman, Norman," she cried, "what will they think of me--what will
they say--your servants, your friends?"
"We must not trouble about that," said Norman; "we must not pause to
consider what the world will say. We must do what we think is right."
He took out his watch and looked at it.
"It is eight o'clock," he said; "we shall have time to drive to Winiston
to-night."
There was a world of sorrowful reproach in the blue eyes raised to his.
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