"And you forced his consent?"
"No, I gave him a chance to purchase his freedom, and a substantial reward, by a confession, and this——" and he touched the paper.
"But had you a right——?"
"I had a right to make any terms I pleased. I was given unlimited power to impose my own conditions, and I'm sure, had my Chief known, he would have wished you to derive any benefit possible from the transaction."
"It's dearly bought with that man's disgrace. In the eyes of the world, he will still be my husband."
"There will be no disgrace."
"I do not understand."
"The government doesn't wish to punish Colonel Darcy; it merely wishes for his evidence, to aid in the detection of others."
"But his name will appear."
"It is strictly stipulated that it shall not do so; be assured your secret is safe."