"How do you know Mrs. Moxton would prove such a clog?"
"I don't know; I surmise only. I am ignorant of the lady's personality, save from what I have learnt in chance moments. You are in the like position."
"I know her better than you do."
"Possibly. But do you know her well enough to risk making her your wife?"
"I didn't say that I intended to ask her to marry me."
Cass laughed. "That is a quibble. With honourable men a declared passion is always the prelude to marriage."
"But I have not declared my passion," argued Ellis, in vexed tones.
"Not yet, maybe, but you will do so when the time comes."
"After all, Harry, she is a charming woman."
"Charming and pretty, no doubt. But is she the wife for you? Before you can answer that question, you must know her past and whitewash her present."