THORNTON. But if it is your husband that stands between us—
MRS. HAVERILL. Let me say this, sir: whatever I may fear for my husband, he fears nothing for himself.
THORNTON. He knows? [Looking at her, keenly.] [Enter KERCHIVAL WEST, now in riding suit.] [He stops, looking at them.] You are silent. Your husband does know what occurred to-night; that relieves my conscience. [Lightly.] Colonel Haverill and I can now settle it between us.
MRS. HAVERILL. No, Mr. Thornton! My husband knows nothing, and, I beg of you, do not let this horrible affair go further. [Sees KERCHIVAL.
KERCHIVAL. Pardon me. [Stepping forward.] I hope I am not interrupting you. [Aside.] It was Thornton. [Aloud.] You said you would have a letter for me to carry, Mrs. Haverill.
MRS. HAVERILL. Yes, I—I will go up and write it at once. [Crosses; stops and looks back. Aside.] I wonder how much he overheard.
KERCHIVAL. [Quietly.] I suppose eight o'clock will be time enough for me to go?
MRS. HAVERILL. Oh, yes! [Glancing at him a moment.]—quite.
[Exit, through apartment.
KERCHIVAL. [Quietly.] Mr. Thornton! you are a scoundrel! Do I make myself plain?