“You’re doing nothing of the sort. If you had only yourself to think of you might insist on settling this horrible matter at once for all in the drastic way you propose. But to do so now would be a cruel wrong to Jean.”
He waited a moment, then, speaking very solemnly, he went on:
“Most people are convinced of the truth of that evil old proverb, ‘There’s no smoke without fire.’ The fact that your wife’s body had been exhumed, and certain portions of that poor body submitted to certain tests by a government expert, would never be forgotten.”
“I suppose that’s true,” said Garlett slowly, and Dr. Maclean pursued his advantage.
He put his hand on the younger man’s shoulder, “For God’s sake, let the matter rest. As things are now I regard it as practically certain that this painful business will never be known beyond just our four selves.”
“Our four selves?” repeated Harry Garlett uncertainly.
“Of course, man! Myself, my wife, Jean and you.”
There was a long pause, and Dr. Maclean, with intense relief, believed that he had gained his point. But suddenly Harry Garlett exclaimed:
“It’s no use, Maclean! I can’t see it as you do. I shall go to the Home Office to-morrow morning.”
“I suppose you agree that Jean has a right to be consulted before you take a step that may cloud all her future life?”