"Not in fact, but otherwise you did. Had you not led this double life the tragedy would never have happened."
"Well, it has happened and everything's at an end," said Fane, sitting up sullenly. "Calvert has stifled all inquiry. Nothing will ever be known, unless you give the thing away."
"What do you take me for?" cried Mrs. Fane, turning on him. "Do you think I am going to pose as a disgraced woman with your friends and mine? I made you confess something of this when you came back to Southend. I shielded you in my interview with Bocaros, so that you should not be suspected. But I never thought Mrs. Brand was your wife--you liar!"
"What's the use of calling names?" said Fane, still sulky.
"None--none. I have a good mind to leave you for good and all."
"Why don't you, then?"
"Because, after all, you are my child's father. Besides, you are a poor miserable creature, who can't look after yourself. I shall still continue to be your wife. We must be married again quietly and go abroad for a time, as was our original intention. Then we will come back, and I shall get a farm down the country near London, so that I can come up to look after the business. After this I shall manage the whole business myself You will be a cipher."
"I always have been," muttered Walter.
"Well, that is arranged, so we need say nothing more about the matter. Let us be friends. I don't love you--I can't respect you; but for the child's sake let us be friends."
"You'll only bully me," said Walter hopelessly. "No," said Mrs. Fane, in a softer voice. "You poor creature, God forbid I should be hard on you. I am a strong-minded woman, but I am not a tyrant. I will look after you, since you are so weak, and do my best."