I have procured for your husband a seat on the Alaskan
Board. It is a very distinguished position, and you will find that it
will entail considerable social obligations in America. When you
return, he will be able to claim a judgeship, or a place in the
Government. You will find things go smoothly enough then."
"But you!" she cried; "I want you!"
He looked at her gravely.
"Dear Lady Ruth," he said, "you may think so at this moment, but you
are very much mistaken. What you really desire is a complete
reconciliation with your husband and a place in the great world which
no one shall be able to question. These things are arranged for you;
also--these."
He handed her a little packet. She dropped it idly into her lap. She
was looking steadfastly away from them.
"You are free from me now," he continued. "You will find life run
quite smoothly, and I do not think that you will be troubled with me
when you come back from America. I have other plans."
"There was a slave," she murmured, "who grew to love her gaoler, and
when they came to set her free and take her back to her own
people--she prayed only to be left in her cell! Freedom for her meant
a broken heart!"
"But that was fiction," he answered. "For you, freedom will mean other
things. There is work for you to do, honorable work. You must fan the
flame of your husband's ambition, you must see that he does justice to
his great opportunities.
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