“Sit down, Dicky! I am so glad you have come! I was monstrous dull and lonely, I assure you!”

“Were you?” he said, fidgeting with her scissors. “No, I will not sit down. I have something to say to you, Lavinia. Something to tell you.”

“Oh, have you?” she asked. “Something nice, Dicky?”

“I fear you will hardly think so. I am about to make an end.”

“Oh⁠—oh, are you? Of what ?”

“Of this⁠—this deceitful life I am leading⁠—have been leading. I⁠—I⁠—I am going to confess the whole truth.”

“Rich‑ard!”