“Yes, you are; and I think you will find it difficult to disprove my statement.”
“All right, governor; have it your own way,” cried Bill, with an aggravating laugh. “All right. Have it your own way. It does so happen, however, that Rawton was drowned in a mill-stream, and that, for special reasons, best known to myself, I chose to call myself by his name.”
“Then you told me a false and wicked lie on the evening when we first met, but I know which story to believe.
“Pray, sir, how is it I find you here in company with this lady? Answer me that. Shall I tell you?”
“If you like.”
“It is just this: you are here plotting together for the purpose of determining how you can best deeeive me. But do not think you will succeed in your nefarious plans. Still at the same time I have to apologize for disturbing a tête-à-tête between husband and wife,” observed the doctor, with aggravating sarcasm.
Mrs. Bourne, who had purposely abstained from saying anything more than the occasion absolutely required, now observed in a deprecatory tone—
“I do hope and trust, Mr. Bourne, that this conversation will be brought to a close as speedily as possible, if it be only for my sake.”
“For your sake, madam!” exclaimed her husband with a sneer. “Upon my word that is really a good joke. It is really amusing. I think, madam, I shall have no very great difficulty in dissolving the galling and odious tie which binds me to so amiable a partner. A prior marriage with a gentleman who is still alive No. 51. will suffice for the purpose. Mr. William Rawton, who is here present——”
