"That is for me to decide."
"Quite so. Now how do you wish me to aid in my wife's divorce?"
"A statement signed by you, to the effect that you would not contest a suit for divorce—say on the grounds of incompatibility of temper, coupled by your promise of non-interference, would be sufficient. As Madame Darcy is not a Catholic, and her father is a power in his own country, she would have no trouble, legal or religious, in using such evidence."
"Oh, is that all?" said the Colonel, manifestly relieved. "I supposed you wanted statutory grounds."
"I wish to save your wife as much pain and annoyance as possible, and it would be well if you felt the same."
"Oh!" exclaimed Darcy. "So that's the way the land lies, is it? A very interesting way for a young man who is in love with one of the women, and engaged to the other."
"You'll please attend to business, and not discuss my affairs," broke in the Secretary, sharply.
"Quite right, quite right; pardon me—there, it's only a few lines, but I think it will give my wife her freedom when she requires it," and he handed him a paper, adding:—"Now let me go."
"Two things you've forgotten," said Stanley. "Your promise not to appear against your wife in her suit for divorce——"
"That's understood!"