"I sent you a telegram, promising information that would have prevented that journey."
"It failed to reach me."
Unconsciously she was wringing her hands as her thoughts whirled.
"I will tell you something now, if you will promise me that no harm shall—"
He laughed scornfully.
"As if I had anything to learn concerning that cowardly villain! Thanks for your confidence, which comes much too late."
"You do not know that—"
"Yes, I know all I want to know; more than you shall ever tell me, and I decline to hear a confession that, in my eyes, defiles you; that would only drive me to harsh denunciation of your foul idol. Moreover, I will not extort by torture what you have withheld so jealously. Do not wring your hands so desperately. You are goaded to confession now, because you believe that I have secured your lover? Take courage, he has not yet been arrested; he is still a wanderer hiding from retribution."
She sprang up, trembling.
"But you said you had seen his face?"