I sincerely hope Gertrude will enjoy her freedom more than she did her
bondage. Anyway, I am glad she has entered a denial.
As I walked home under a starry sky, however, I was amazed to feel my
anger cooling rapidly; the sense of defeat, of disappointment with human
nature, giving way to a new feeling of freedom, to an elation I had not
experienced in years. I definitely felt a leap of exhilaration in the
wake of the other mingled emotions. It took me by surprise.
Matrimony is obviously not for such shameful villains as myself. If
Gertrude expects me to return on bended marrow bones and sue for
forgiveness, I am certain she is mistaken. Matrimony is not for me.
That at least is clear.
*CHAPTER X*
The dancing flamboyancy in his veins has proved too much for my revered,
partner, Fred Salmon.
With a glimmer hall bravado, half amusement in his eyes, he announced to
me this morning that he has "signed on for a piece of the Roumanian
loan."