I tried to calm her, but it was of no use; she became quite hysterical and threw herself face downwards on the sofa. If that is not real, I thought, what a magnificent actress she would have made. On ringing the bell for her maid her real husband made his appearance. On seeing the condition of his wife he went up to the sofa and spoke kindly to her.
"Don't take it so much to heart, Caroline," he said, feelingly, "you had reasons to think me dead. I do not blame you." Turning to me he remarked, "I hope I have not kept you waiting. You are from Mr. Drummond, I presume; if you will step into another room we will talk over matters."
Before sitting down I had a good look at Mr. Selby, and I neither liked his manner nor appearance. I saw that I had an unscrupulous, perhaps clever rogue to deal with, and I became doubly cautious.
I began by saying what a strange affair it was, and asking him where he and Mrs. Selby were married. He was prepared for the question; he not only produced the marriage certificate, but also furnished me with the names and present abodes of the witnesses. When I made enquiry about the business in the City he at once gave me a card of the address; he was an exporter of fancy goods, whatever that may mean. Alluding incidentally to his altered appearance, he asked whether two years in the bush was not enough to pull any one down. Then we got to closer quarters.
"Well, Mr. Selby, it is a great misfortune to all parties. What do you propose to do?" I asked.
"I doated on my wife, and should like to take her back," he replied; "to prevent exposure, which I suppose would not suit your friend, I am willing to come to terms."
"As you are the lawful husband, I will undertake that Mr. Drummond relinquishes all his claims."
"But that will not be sufficient; he has done me a great injury and must compensate me for it."
"Your captivity has not bettered your fortunes, Mr. Selby."