“Well, as your ladyship has put the question so plainly, I am bound to answer it. In the first place, I do not think you would be justified in opposing Earl Ethalwood’s expressed wishes, and in the next”—he paused——
“And in the next,” cried Aveline.
“You are quite justified in getting rid of a man who has brought such discredit on you and yours.”
Aveline rose from her seat, her eyes flashing with indignation, and her whole manner was indicative of the most violent emotion.
“And pray, Mr. Chicknell,” said she, “who has deputed you to make such a statement? In what way has my husband brought discredit on me and mine? I have yet to learn that he has done aught to disgrace either himself or me.”
“You must pardon me, madam,” said the lawyer, in no way moved by the anger of his companion. “It is, to say the truth, no pleasant task I have undertaken; and allow me to say that if it is repugnant to you to hear the truth I will remain silent, and never again allude to a subject which is evidently most painful to you. We professional gentlemen have, at times, very unpleasant revelations to make, but I would not—nay, nothing could induce me to press a question which, possibly, you have no desire to hear.”
“I do not quite understand you, sir. But you have my full permission to proceed. Pray go on.”
“My dear young lady,” said Chicknell, in oleaginous accents, “you must learn the truth. Your husband is living in open adultery with a woman of more than doubtful repute. That fact is established. We have indubitable proof of it.”
Aveline turned pale, trembled slightly, and sank into a chair.
She made, however, no reply.