Out of the Past — page 107: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

104 Out of the Past. Sit here, please, I want you to hear all.’”’ Robert took the chair beside her and for a moment she leaned back among the cushions of the divan with closed eyes, as though con- centrating her thoughts, a repose in which she was cer- tainly fair to see. Finding him regarding her curiously, and keeping her eyes steadily upon his, she asked: “Ts it the custom in the grand monde for men to dis- card their wives for other than serious offense?” “Most assuredly not.” “What do women of the world do in such cases ?” “They return to their families, I presume.” “But I have none.” “My dear Mme. Vignaud, I trust nothing so serious has occurred.” “But it has. Monsieur sent me away last night.” “At night?” “At one o'clock or after.” “You shock me.” “T thought perhaps it was the usual way,” she said in- differently. “I know so little about these things. I have been thinking and thinking all day, but I see no way to follow, excepting the old round of rehearsal and dressing and dancing. The hateful old round. And then the hor- rid agents. Think of it!” she cried, catching his hand. “They have put some one in my place as first lady of the CONNICLOOOKS.: