'But now I hope with all my heart that you'll make him happy. It's not
you I'm frightened for now, but him.'

Margaret did not answer; she could not understand what Susie meant.

'I've never seen anyone with such a capacity for wretchedness as that man
has. I don't think you can conceive how desperately he might suffer. Be
very careful, Margaret, and be very good to him, for you have the power
to make him more unhappy than any human being should be.'

'Oh, but I want him to be happy,' cried Margaret vehemently. 'You know
that I owe everything to him. I'd do all I could to make him happy, even
if I had to sacrifice myself. But I can't sacrifice myself, because I
love him so much that all I do is pure delight.'

Her eyes filled with tears and her voice broke. Susie, with a little
laugh that was half hysterical, kissed her.

'My dear, for heaven's sake don't cry! You know I can't bear people who
weep, and if he sees your eyes red, he'll never forgive me.'




3


The Chien Noir, where Susie Boyd and Margaret generally dined, was the
most charming restaurant in the quarter. Downstairs was a public room,
where all and sundry devoured their food, for the little place had a