"
Olga reappeared, and the young man turned to her with resolute
cheerfulness. When at length he took leave of his friends, they saw
nothing but good spirits and healthful energy. He would certainly
see them again before leaving England, and before long would let
them know all his projects in detail. So he went his way into the
summer night, back to the roaring world of London; one man in the
multitude who knew his heart's desire, and saw all else in the light
thereof.
For three days, Mrs. Hannaford and her daughter lived expectant;
then arrived in answer to the letter left behind at Hammersmith. It
came through Dr. Derwent's solicitor, whose address Mrs. Hannaford
had given for this purpose. A curt, dry communication, saying simply
that the fugitive might do as she chose, and would never be
interfered with. Parting was, under the circumstances, evidently the
wise course; but it must be definite, legalised; the writer had no
wish ever to see his wife again. As to her suggestion about money,
in that too she would please herself; it relieved him to know her
independent, and he was glad to be equally so.
For all that, Lee Hannaford made no objection to receiving the
portion of his wife's income which she offered. He took it without
thanks, keeping his reflections to himself. And therewith was
practically dissolved one, at least, of the innumerable mock
marriages which burden the lives of mankind.
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