“And for doing which, I thank you; though, indeed, I scarcely know why I turned traitress to my husband in the matter, for the girl is a poor little fool. I was a poor little fool once myself; I can find no better reason.” Seeing the effect she produces on him by her indifferent laugh and cold look, she keeps her eyes upon him as she proceeds. “ Mr. Twemlow, if you should chance to see my husband, or to see me, or to see both of us, in the favour or confidence of anyone else⁠—whether of our common acquaintance or not, is of no consequence⁠—you have no right to use against us the knowledge I entrusted you with, for one special purpose which has been accomplished. This is what I came to say. It is not a stipulation; to a gentleman it is simply a reminder.”

Twemlow sits murmuring to himself with his hand to his forehead.