Chapter 56

"Ten years--of hell. And not over then. I don't think I can, Bryan." "You must, my dear; and so must I." He gave a little mirthless laugh. "It's the penalty we've got to pay." Then, contemptuously--"He reminded me of the letter he had sent his lawyers this morning, before I began." "I think that's what sticks in my throat more than anything," said the girl slowly. "He thinks he threatened you into operating--and operating successfully. And he'll never let me forget it." "What does it matter what he thinks?" answere…