Page:Keeping the Peace.pdf/275

 "I understand very well how these things start, but I want to know what your heart and mind tell you now that the first glamour is over."

Edward considered for some moments. Then he said: "Truthfully, father, I think I feel just the way any man feels about his wife—that I must be kind to her, and faithful, and take good care of her. I feel that I have lots and lots of other duties and considerations, but that she just naturally comes first. Was there always marriage?"

"Probably not," said Mr. Eaton, "but we don't know. . . . I had rather a thousand times that you came back from abroad with this story of the one young woman than with a worldly wise expression upon your face—and no story at all. I am disturbed by what you have told me, a little aghast and horrified perhaps; from a moral point of view I disapprove strongly of what you have done. But I am very proud that you had enough confidence in me to tell me about it."

"Even if Ruth hadn't gossiped," said Edward, "I had made up my mind to tell you. But I'd rather mother didn't know."

"Can the secret be kept?"

"I don't know," said Edward, "but getting a divorce for Anne is only a question of money. If I can earn enough, soon enough, then we can be