The source of this information might, or might not, be Nancy herself. In either case, there was no further hope of secrecy. Tarrant abandoned his reserve, and spoke quietly, civilly.
‘So far, you have heard the truth. What have you to ask of me, now?’
‘You have been abroad for a long time, I think?’
‘For about a year.’
‘Does that mean that you wished to see no more of her?’
‘That I deserted her, in plain words? It meant nothing of the kind.’
‘You are aware, then, that she has taken a place in a house of business, just as if she thought it necessary to earn her own living?’
Tarrant displayed astonishment.
‘I am aware of no such thing. How long has that been going on?’
‘Then you don’t see her?’