"Yes, from debt. John, I want to ask you an honest question honestly.
Why did you ask me to become your wife?"
He moved uneasily.
"Why do you ask? Surely we understand each other."
"We did, perhaps, but I have told you that things have changed. Won't you answer me?"
"I asked you—because I wished you to be my wife," he returned stubbornly.
"John, isn't that rather a lame equivocation?"
He stared at her with heavy, troubled eyes.
"Yes, it was. But the truth might hurt you, Beatrice."
"No, it wouldn't. Nothing can hurt so much in the end as lies and humbug."
"Well, then, I asked you to become my wife because I believed that my conduct had put you into a wrong and painful situation in the eyes of the world."