"
Anne was growing painfully interested.
"Well, after that she threw herself upon me in a manner that--that was
extraordinary to me, not having the key to it; and I--lost my head. Don't
frown, Anne; ninety-nine men out of a hundred would have lost theirs; and
you'll say so if ever I give you the details. Of course blame attached to
me; to me, and not to her. Though at the time I mentally gave her, I
assure you, her full share, somewhat after the manner of the Pharisee
condemning the publican. That also has come home to me: she believed
herself to be legally my wife; I never gave a thought to that evening's
farce, and should have supposed its bearing any meaning a simple
impossibility.
"A short time, and letters summoned me home; my mother was dangerously
ill. I remember Agnes asked me to take her with me, and I laughed at her.
I arranged to write to her, and promised to go back shortly--which, to
tell you the truth, I never meant to do. Having been mistaking her,
mistaking her still, I really thought her worthy of very little
consideration. Before I had been at home a fortnight I received a letter
from Dr. Mair, telling me that Agnes was showing symptoms of insanity,
and asking what provision I purposed making for her. My sin was finding
me out; I wondered how _he_ had found it out; I did not ask, and did not
know for years. I wrote back saying I would willingly take all expenses
upon myself; and inquired what sum would be required by the asylum--to
which he said she must be sent.
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