"So you drove your wife away; out of the house?" cried the man. "I guessed as much."
"She is gone for ever, but you shall not live to join her."
"Before now she is dead! Listen to what you have done. I repeat it, your wife was as innocent as an angel. She is dead, and I tell you so, knowing how it will poison your life. If there was guilt or dishonor in loving me it belonged to that pretty heap of deception on the sofa. Hear that, and let your soul writhe under it, for your blood does run in her veins. I came to tell you this. That great hearted creature forced the truth back in my throat, the other night; but you shall hear it now. There lies the mother of the child we buried, the other night!"
"Liar! Traitor!" cried Mellen.
Again came a violent ringing of the door-bell; steps in the hall; this time the two men listened.
"I am pursued," muttered Ford; "they've cornered me; it is your turn now."
"I will give you up if these are enemies," cried Mellen; "there is no escape."
He took one stride towards the door, but Ford called out:
"You are giving up your sister's husband; remember the whole world shall know it."
There was bitter truth in the tone, but before Mellen could move or speak, the door opened and two officers entered the room.