"On the last day I saw my dear husband--What is the meaning of that gesture?" For Leonard had put up his hand with scornful motion.
"Your assumption of innocence and indignation does not deceive me; it will deceive no one who knows you. Go on. On the last day you saw my dear brother----"
"I had reason to believe," she continued, "that I had won the respect, if not the affection, of those around me, strangers though they were. I passed through a dangerous illness, and have been mercifully spared. I thank God humbly for it. Recovering, I am met with coldness whichever way I turn. People avoid me. Why?"
"Search your own heart for the answer."
"I have questioned my heart, and find none. I have done no wrong."
"You have singular ideas of morality. Is living with a man as his mistress a virtuous act?"
"Great God! How dare you speak those words to me?"
"Because they are true. People avoid you because the truth is known. Spare hysterics; they will not help you. You are not fit to associate with virtuous women."
"How dare you, how dare you? Gerald and I were man and wife."
"You never were. You and my dear, fond brother--dear to me, weak though he was--were never married. With his death ended your life of deceit. You were Gerald's mistress, not his wife."