"He is—my husband."
"A gentleman—I suppose?"
"The world accords him that title," she replied coldly.
"I understand— He's a man of means?"
"He has nothing but his pay."
"And you—but that question is unnecessary. Señor De Costa's name and estates are well known—and you are his only child."
"Yes, you're right," she burst out. "It's my money, my cursed money! Why do men call it a blessing! Oh, if I could trust him, I'd give him every penny of it. But I cannot, it's the one hold I have on him, and because I will not beggar myself to supply means for his extravagances he dares——"
"Not personal violence, surely?"
"To put me away somewhere—in a retreat, he calls it. That means a madhouse."
"My dear Madame Darcy!"