'How eccentric--and ill-behaved, too,' I commented. 'It looks almost
as if he wished to avoid accompanying Marion home.'
We were standing in the drawing-room as I spoke. Suddenly I gave a
start as my eye drifted to the mantelpiece. 'What an extraordinary
coincidence!' I exclaimed. A strange eerie feeling came over me.
Marion's lost photo had been restored to its frame.
CHAPTER XII
_William resumes his story_: I am now aware that I should not have
invoked the aid of Elizabeth. A man should work out his own destiny.
Once a woman precipitates herself in an affair, complications are bound
to follow. Also Elizabeth is no ordinary woman. There are times when
I question whether she is human. Was it not her idea that I
should--but I must try to chronicle the events in their correct
sequence.
The mistake I made primarily, was in not going away directly I first
heard from Elizabeth of Miss Warrington's unfortunate and misplaced
attachment for me. Things might then have adjusted themselves quite
naturally. The idea, however, of a sensitive woman suffering on my
account was exceedingly distasteful to me. If, I decided, I could
bring about her complete disillusionment my conscience would be at
rest. Also there would then be no necessity to cut myself off from the
Warringtons, and give up my pleasant discourses with Henry. Thus, I
felt, I was taking the most advisable course under the circumstances.
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