“I hope you are. I should say, judging from appearances, that you are very much the master.”

“I’ll get a warrant,” said Mrs. Bourne, “and swear that I am in danger of my life. I can do that, I suppose?”

“You can do it, of course,” returned Wrench. “But it would be a very great exposure for a gentleman in your husband’s position.”

“I don’t care if it is.”

“She does not care for anything, and has no regard for my interests. She is a worthless woman, Wrench. I am very sorry to be obliged to say so, but it is a fact.”

“You don’t believe him, I hope,” observed Mrs. Bourne, quietly.

“He does not mean what he says, madam—​I am sure of that.”

“I do,” ejaculated the doctor. “I say she is a worthless, infamous woman.”

“I am sure you don’t expect me to believe you.”

“Indeed, but I do.”