"What matter?"
"The business I came upon," said Mr. Poynter, irritated by Aaron's composure. "I am ready to hear it, sir."
"Very well. We will not beat about the bush, but will come straight to the point. You are down in the world, Mr. Cohen?"
"Yes, sir; I am, as you say, down in the world."
"The newspapers," continued Mr. Poynter, "have been saying uncomplimentary things of you, and I have heard a threat of further revelations. I considered it my duty--in the interests of truth, Mr. Cohen--to make your wife acquainted with these public disclosures."
Rachel pressed her lips again upon Aaron's hand, which she held in a firm and loving grasp. His face brightened.
"You have rendered me a service," he said. "Possibly I have you to thank, also, for the statements which have been made in the papers concerning me."
"Possibly," said Mr. Poynter.
"Nay," said Aaron, "you suggested just now the advisability of not beating about the bush, and you proclaim that you are here in the interests of truth. Have I, or have I not, to thank you for this unfavourable publicity?"
"I have never shrunk from the truth," replied Mr. Poynter, with a lofty air, "nor from a duty, however distressing the truth or the duty might be. Society has to be considered, and we must ignore the feeling of the individual. I became possessed of certain information, and I considered it my imperative duty not to withhold it from the public ear."