"
There was no question now in Gladys's mind as to what she should do.
Of all things in the world, she dreaded cancer most, and after the
many evidences Hamar had given her of his skill in Black Magic, she
did not doubt for one instant that he could, immediately he chose,
carry out his threat.
"I have decided," she said faintly, "to--to--give in."
"You accept me, then?" Hamar said.
"Y-yes!"
"When may I see you?"
"When you like."
"Then I'll come at once," Hamar replied. "_Au revoir._"
But Hamar, when he arrived at the Cottage, did not realize any of the
gleeful anticipations he had indulged in _en route_. Gladys was
ill--so Miss Templeton informed him--at the same time begging him, if
he really had any regard for Miss Martin, not to ask to see her for
the next few days; and to this request Hamar, seeing no alternative,
was obliged to assent.
Shortly after he had gone, Shiel Davenport called, and found Gladys
alone in the garden.
"I've been told that your father is ill," he said, "and should like to
hear better news of him. How is he?"
"I think he's all right now," Gladys replied, "but he has suffered
frightfully. Indeed, we've all had a terrible time," And she told him
what had happened.
"Then you've not been acting at the Imperial lately?" Shiel asked.
"Not for the past week," Gladys replied. "I couldn't leave father."
"How has Mr. Bromley Burnham got on without you?" Shiel asked
bitterly.
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