We ached with it--each wanting the
other. You are made to endure. You would get over anything and be
cheerful after a while. You know that--don't you?"
The eyes of Edith came up level with his own.
"Yes I know," she said.
Margaret Ormsby jumped up from her chair, her eyes swimming.
"Stop," she cried. "I do not want you. I would never marry you now.
You belong to her. You are Edith's."
McGregor's voice became soft and quiet.
"Oh, I know," he said; "I know! I know! But I want children. Look at
Edith. Do you think she could bear children to me?"
A change came over Edith Carson. Her eyes hardened and her shoulders
straightened.
"That's for me to say," she cried, springing forward and clutching his
arm. "That is between me and God. If you intend to marry me come now
and do it. I was not afraid to give you up and I'm not afraid that I
shall die bearing children."
Dropping McGregor's arm Edith ran across the room and stood before
Margaret. "How do you know you are more beautiful or can bear more
beautiful children?" she demanded. "What do you mean by beauty anyway?
I deny your beauty." She turned to McGregor. "Look," she cried, "she
does not stand the test."
Pride swept over the woman that had come to life within the body of
the little milliner.
Pages:
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232