Wyant did not move. "Don't ring—unless you want me to write to your husband," he rejoined.
A sick feeling of helplessness overcame her; but she turned on him firmly. "I pardoned you once for that threat!"
"Yes—and you sent me some money the next day."
"I was mistaken enough to think that, in your distress, you had not realized what you wrote. But if you're a systematic blackmailer——"
"Gently—gently. Bad names don't frighten me—it's hunger and debt I'm afraid of."
Justine felt a last tremor of compassion. He was abominable—but he was pitiable too.
"I will really help you—I will see your wife and do what I can—but I can give you no money today."
"Why not?"
"Because I have none. I am not as rich as you think."
He smiled incredulously. "Give me a line to Mr. Langhope, then."