it! How are we to live? How are they to inhabit the same city? He thinks I
have been weak. I am weak! The only power I have is through--the property.
Banks will never marry a poor girl. But that would be a dear-bought
victory. Let her keep what faith in him she can. No; in families, the ones
who can control themselves have to give in--to those who can't. If you
argue with Christine she simply gives way, and then she gets hysterical,
and then she is ill. It's a disease. Mothers know how their
children--Christine was marked--marked with trouble! I am thankful she has
any mind at all. She needs me more than Paul does. I cannot be parted from
my power to help her--such as it is."

"When she is Banks Bowen's wife she will need you more than ever!" said
Moya.

"She will. I could prevent the marriage, but I am afraid to. I am afraid!
So, as the family is cut in two--in three, for I"--Mrs. Bogardus stopped
and moistened her lips again. "So--I think you and Paul had better make
your arrangements and go as soon as you can wherever it suits you, without
minding about the rest of us."

Moya gave a little sobbing laugh. "You don't expect me to make the first
move!"

"Doesn't he say anything to you--anything at all?"

"He is too ill."

"He is not ill!" Mrs. Bogardus denied it fiercely. "Who says he is ill? He
is starved and frozen. He is just out of the grave. You must be good to
him, Moya. Warm him, comfort him! You can give him the life he needs. Your