"His age does not prevent him being her lawful husband. Now as you are at it, you may as well confess whether Mrs. Murray reciprocates this much-to-be-regretted passion."
"I have reason to believe she does."
"Well, you won't get absolution from me. You are a bad as well as an unfortunate man, Mr. Augustus Graham."
"If you only knew everything you would, I am sure, think differently of both of us."
"Doubtful, very; the lady is married. What license have you to interfere with her husband's happiness? No sophistry will make me think that marital bonds should not be respected. I have seen too many lives and promising careers blasted by such impudent intrigues."
"Don't judge us so harshly without a hearing."
"Do you recollect your putting a peculiar question to me one day some months ago, and asking what I would do under the embarrassing circumstances? I see now you were the A of this skeleton case, and Mrs. Murray the B. What was my answer? Did I not tell you it was the duty of any man, calling himself a gentleman, to hold his friend's wife sacred?"
"I tried hard, but it was all in vain."
"You used to be clever in getting out of as well as into scrapes, but you seem to be caught fast this time. I am really sorry, for the sake of old school days, that you must go to the wall. Is there nothing I can do for you?"
"Yes, you can lend me—your opera glasses."