“What did she mean by taking steps?”
“I don’t know exactly, but I think it was the kind o’ steps as’d give Mr. Rash ’is release quicker nor any other.”
Allerton’s arm was raised as if to strike a blow. “And you let her?”
The old face was set steadily. “I didn’t do nothin’ but what Mr. Rash ’imself told me to do.”
“Told you to do?”
“Yes, Mr. Rash; six months ago; the mornin’ after 283 you’d brought madam into the ’ouse. I was to get you out of the marriage, you said; but I think madam ’as done it all of ’er own haccord.”
“But why? Why should she?”
Steptoe smiled, dimly. “Oh, don’t Mr. Rash see? Madam ’ad give ’erself to ’im ’eart and spirit and soul. If she couldn’t go to the good for ’im, she’d go to the bad. So long as she served ’im, it didn’t matter to madam what she done. And if I was Mr. Rash––”
Allerton’s spring was like that of a tiger. Before Steptoe felt that he had been seized he was on his back on the floor, with Allerton kneeling on his chest.
“You old reptile! I’m going to kill you.”