“Yes.”
“I did it because of you. I loved you, and you treated me with scorn. If you had married me I could have been a good man. As it is, I am a bad one. I was glad to have this handle against your husband. Having discovered the truth, I was glad to incite Mrs. Pelham to prosecute. Why? Because it hurt you—it hurt you.”
The touch of his hand felt like fire. Barbara noticed it for the first time.
“Let me go,” she said.
“I will not. My moment of triumph has come, and I shall take it.” The next instant he had caught her in both his arms, and was pressing his burning kisses on her lips.
“You drove me mad,” he said, “but this is my hour of triumph. I loved you, and you treated me with scorn. Yes, I am bad now, and you are the cause. When your husband hangs for this crime, my revenge will be complete.”
“You are a monster, and I treat you with the contempt you deserve,” cried Barbara. “Touch me again if you dare!” She extricated herself from his grasp with a sudden quick movement.
“My husband will be cleared,” she said. “As there is a God above, he is innocent, and I defy you, Dr. Tarbot. Don’t keep me, sir.”
She left the room.