Then she said, still breathless and incoherent, “Stephen, is it true⁠—that poor Emily⁠—and poor John⁠—Oh, Stephen, how could you?”

The tears were coming back, so he put his arms about her again. And he spoke quickly, saying anything, anything to hold her attention and keep away those terrible tears.

“Darling, I was a fool⁠ ⁠… it was for your sake in the first place⁠—for your sake we kept it dark, I mean⁠—it was John’s idea⁠—and then⁠—I don’t know⁠—I was a beast⁠—But don’t worry. Tomorrow I’ll put it all right.⁠ ⁠… I’ll give myself up⁠—I⁠—”

But at these words, and at the picture they raised, a great cry burst from her, “Oh, no, Stephen. No! no!⁠—you mustn’t.”