"
While Miss Ludington was speaking Ida's tears had ceased to flow, and she
had become quite calm. She seemed to have been impressed by what Miss
Ludington had said. At least she offered no further opposition to the
plan proposed.
"I am very anxious to lose no time," said Miss Ludington, presently, "and
I think we had better drive into Brooklyn the first thing to-morrow
morning, and see my lawyer about the necessary legal proceedings."
"Just as you please," said Ida, and presently, pleading a nervous
headache, she went to her room and remained there the rest of the
afternoon.
Meanwhile Paul had seen Miss Ludington, and she had told him of her talk
with Ida, and its result. The young man was beside himself with chagrin,
humiliation, and baffled love. The fact that Ida had consented to the
plan of adoption showed beyond doubt that she had given up all idea of
being his wife, at least for the present, and possibly of ever marrying
him at all.
Why had she dealt with him so strangely? Why had she used him with such
cruel caprice? Was ever a man treated so perversely by a woman who loved
him? Miss Ludington could only shake her head as he poured out his
complaints to her.
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