John.
Let me speak to you? [Mrs. Cloys enters; he closes the door sharply, speaking hurriedly and excitedly.] I—I have altered my mind about meeting Mrs. Fraser——
Mrs. Cloys.
Altered your mind——?
John.
I have sent a note to her by her messenger asking her to see me here.
Mrs. Cloys.
Mr. Allingham, I protest against this as quite unnecessary.
John.
Pardon me. [Producing Theophila’s letter, and speaking disjointedly, uneasily.] On—on consideration, it seems to me that—that—for everybody’s sake, I have to satisfy my wife that Mrs. Fraser’s presence is due solely to the most innocent causes.