I inclined my head, and she continued:
"My husband informs me that he has related to you the fullest particulars of his life, and that he has unbosomed himself to you with an unreserved confidence, such as no other person in the world has been able to inspire."
"It is true," I said, "and I hold his confidence sacred, to be used only for our good."
"And for the good of our children," she said.
"Yes," I said, conscious of a strange note in my voice as I repeated the words, "and for the good of our children."
She detected the unusual note, gazed steadily at me for a moment, and proceeded, without commenting upon it.
"Knowing so much, you are familiar with my husband's nightly wanderings in the woods when he resided here with his parents?"
"Yes."
"He was aware of these nocturnal rambles?" she said. "He undertook them consciously?"
"Certainly."