not think we need to go into past histories." He got up. "Dodo, would you ever under any circumstances come back to me?" he said. "There is Nadine, you know. It gives her a better chance—" Dodo interrupted him. [Pg 52] [Pg 52] "You are not sincere when you say that. It isn't of Nadine that you think. As for your question, I have never heard of any circumstances which would induce me to do as you suggest. Of course we cannot say that they don't exist, but I have never come across them. Don't let us think of it, Waldenech: it is quite impossible. If you were dying, I would come, but under the distinct understanding that I should go away again, in case you got better, as I am sure I hope you would. I don't bear you the slightest ill-will. You didn't spoil my life at all, though it is true you often made me both angry and miserable. As regards Nadine, she has an excellent chance, as you call it, under the present arrangements. All my friends have come back to me, except Mrs. Vivian." "Mrs. Vivian?" said he. "Oh, yes, an English type, earnest widow." "With an ear-trumpet now," continued Dodo; "and I shall get her some day. And Jack comes this afternoon. Voilà, the round table again! I take up the old life anew, with the younger generation as well, not a penny the worse." "You are a good many pennies the better," said he in self-justification. "As regards Lord Chesterford: why is he coming here?" "I suppose because, like you, he wants to see me and Nadine or both of us." "Do you suppose he wants to marry you?" he asked. "Will you marry him?" Dodo got up, reveling in her sense of liberty. "Waldenech, you don't seem to realize that certain[Pg 53] questions from you to me are impertinent," she said. "My dear, what I do now is none of your business. You have as much right to ask Mrs. Vivian whether she is thinking of marrying again. You have been so discreet and pleasant all these days: don't break down now. I have not the slightest idea if Jack
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