house of women (33 page)

the authorities are taking a hand. Look at the cases on television recently. But now you can be sure of one thing; Emma is safe, not only through marriage but through his new interest. He won't try any more tricks. "

"No, he won't try any more tricks, but those two children will likely have to pay for it."

"Well, you know what my mother's always saying:

everything in life has to be paid for, and you've paid for the

happiness that's going to be yours in the future. It's been a long time from our schooldays, Peggy, but I've got my childhood sweetheart at last. Do you love me, Mrs. Conway? "

"With all my heart, Mr. Conway."

"I can ask for no more then; but I can add one more thing: my heartfelt thanks in that you're free, if not actually from the house, then from its clutch of women."

THE END