The man opposite her, the man of vigorous form, of strong face and keen eyes, stood gazing intently for long moments. In that time, he was learning many things. Finally, he spoke.
“And that is why you married my boy.”
“It is.” Mary gave the answer coldly, convincingly.
Convincingly, save to one—her husband. Dick suddenly aroused, and spoke with the violence of one sure.
“It is not!”
Burke shouted a warning. Demarest, more diplomatic, made a restraining gesture toward the police official, then started to address the young man soothingly.
But Dick would have none of their interference.
“This is my affair,” he said, and the others fell silent. He stood up and went to Mary, and took her two hands in his, very gently, yet very firmly.
“Mary,” he said softly, yet with a strength of conviction, “you married me because you love me.”
The wife shuddered, but she strove to deny.