"I very nearly did," said Ruck with great frankness, "as I thought it might frighten you into refusing him. But then I thought it would be better to send his wife along."
"Is she really his wife?" asked Beatrice doubtfully.
"Really and truly. Paslow always was a moral man. You can never marry him now."
"No. But I can always love him."
"The shadow without the substance," said Ruck, with a shrug; "you will find that unsatisfactory, Miss Hedge."
"That is entirely my affair, Major. And why don't you give me my proper name of Miss Hall?"
"Oh yes. I forgot that you knew all about that matter."
"I know more than you think, since I have seen Lady Watson."
Ruck started. "She told you nothing?" he said in vexed tones.
"Everything--even to the fact that she was about to run away with you on the night my father was murdered."