'Johnnie Gregory' this, and 'Johnnie
Gregory' that!--and the minute he arrives, first you try to make him put
up at the community inn; and now you accuse him of--of--"
Hildreth began to weep softly....
And then began a performance at which I stood aside, mentally, in
admiration ... the way that little woman handled her husband!
She wept, she laughed, she upbraided, she cajoled ... at one moment
swore she wanted nothing better than to die, at the other, vowed eternal
fidelity till old age overtook them both....
* * * * *
"I _must_ go," I cried, quite ashamed of myself in my heart. Baxter's
credulity had expanded again, in the sun of Hildreth's _forgiveness_ of
him for his unjust suspicions!...
For the first time in my life I perceived how a desperate woman can
twist a man any way she wants.
"No, you must not go! it is I who am going--to show that I trust you."
"Good God!" I protested--this was too much! "no, no ... good-night,
both of you ... good-night, Penton! good-night, Hildreth!"
Penton Baxter stepped in my way, took hold of one of my hands in both of
his....
"Please, Johnnie, please, dear friend ... I wish you to stay while I
myself go. Finish reading the poem to Hildreth ... I think I have been
too harsh in my judgment of both of you ... only please do be more
discreet, if only for appearance's sake, in the future.
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