"
"What shall you do when you leave Switzerland?" Christina continued.
"Shall you go back to Rome?"
"I rather doubt it. My plans are very uncertain."
"They depend upon Mr. Hudson, eh?"
"In a great measure."
"I want you to tell me about him. Is he still in that perverse state of
mind that afflicted you so much?"
Rowland looked at her mistrustfully, without answering. He was
indisposed, instinctively, to tell her that Roderick was unhappy; it was
possible she might offer to help him back to happiness. She immediately
perceived his hesitation.
"I see no reason why we should not be frank," she said. "I should think
we were excellently placed for that sort of thing. You remember that
formerly I cared very little what I said, don't you? Well, I care
absolutely not at all now. I say what I please, I do what I please! How
did Mr. Hudson receive the news of my marriage?"
"Very badly," said Rowland.
"With rage and reproaches?" And as Rowland hesitated again--"With silent
contempt?"
"I can tell you but little. He spoke to me on the subject, but I stopped
him. I told him it was none of his business, or of mine.
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