When she again faced him it was to speak quietly, with convincing earnestness.
"Yes, I realize it is too late for explanations," she acknowledged, "so I will attempt none.

I wished you to know, however, that I did not desert you for that man.

This was my principal purpose in sending for you." "Do you know where he is ?" She hesitated ever so slightly, yet he, watching her closely, noted it.
"No; at the close of the war he came home, commanding the regiment which should have been yours.

Within three months he had converted all the family property into cash and departed.

There was a rumor that he was engaged in the cattle business." "You actually expect me to believe all this--that you knew nothing of his plans--were not, indeed, a part of them ?" "I am indifferent as to what you believe," she replied coldly.