couldn’t — not when he didn’t love me any more. Somehow — I can’t explain — it seemed a worse thing to do than — the other. He — he argued a little — but he went away. Do you think I did right, Valancy?”

“Yes, I do. You did right. But he — ”

“Don’t blame him, dear. Please don’t. Let’s not talk about him at all. There’s no need. I wanted to tell you how it was — I didn’t want you to think me bad — ”

“I never did think so.”

“Yes, I felt that — whenever you came. Oh, Valancy, what you’ve been to me! I can never tell you — but God will bless you for it. I know He will —