Vyner took a huge pinch. That did not clear his ideas, and he sat silently brushing off the grains which had congregated in the wrinkles of his waistcoat, very much puzzled what to say.
"Papa, there is something on your mind. If it is anything against Cecil .... anything a wife ought not to hear, spare me, and do not utter it. If it is anything else, spare me the suspense, and tell me at once what it is."
"Blanche, my dearest child, I came here to save you from ruin, and I will save you. You must quit your husband."
"Why?"
"Is not my word sufficient? I say you must. Your welfare depends upon it."
"Why?—I say again—why?"
"Are you—no, you cannot be aware of how your husband gains a livelihood."
She coloured violently and trembled. He noticed it, and read the avowal in her agitation.
"You do know it then?"
She burst into tears.