"And you'll not think less of me for giving way to a thing so vulgar?"
He kissed her with a carelessness that made her wince But she felt that
she deserved it--and was grateful. He said: "Why don't you go over and
see for yourself? No doubt Tetlow gave you the address--and no doubt
you have remembered it."
She colored and hastily turned her head. "Don't punish me," she pleaded.
"Punish you? What nonsense! . . . Do you want me to take you over? The
laboratory would interest you--and Miss Hallowell is lovelier than ever.
She has an easier life now. Office work wears on women terribly."
Josephine looked at him with a beautiful smile of love and trust. "You
wish to be sure I'm cured. Well, can't you see that I am?"
"I don't see why you should be. I've said nothing one way or the other."
She laughed gayly. "You can't tempt me. I'm really cured. I think the
only reason I had the attack was because Mr. Tetlow so evidently
believed he was speaking the truth."
"No doubt he did think he was. I'm sure, in the same circumstances, I'd
think of anyone else just what he thinks of me."
"Then why do you do it, Fred?" urged she with ill-concealed eagerness.
"It isn't fair to the girl, is it?"
"No one but you and Tetlow knows I'm doing it."
"You're mistaken there, dear. Tetlow says a great many people down town
are talking about it--that they say you go almost every day to Jersey
City to see her. He accuses you of having ruined her reputation. He says
she is quite innocent. He blames the whole thing upon you."
Norman, standing with arms folded upon his broad chest, was gazing
thoughtfully into the fire.
"You don't mind my telling you these things?" she said anxiously. "Of
course, I know they are lies----"
"So everyone is talking about it," interrupted he, so absorbed that he
had not heard her.
"You don't realize how conspicuous you are."