Charter turned sharply and looked at him, then he reddened yet more deeply. Of course Astry knew. He was aware of a shock of surprise; if he knew, what did he think of Eva? After an instant of thought he decided to let it pass without an attempt at denial.
"Yes," he assented dryly, "I'm hard hit but I can take my medicine."
"She's refused to get a divorce."
Charter stiffened. "Pardon me, I decline to answer."
Astry smiled. "My dear fellow, I know! Do you think for a moment I'd speak if it wasn't all in that scurrilous sheet, the Meopilus Journal?"
"I heard there was something, but I never see that paper."
"It seems to me useless to try to conceal it now; but I can't make her see it so, and of course, personally, I'd rather she didn't. She's got scruples, you see."
Charter turned and walked across the conservatory twice; he was blanched and his lips were set. At last he stopped in front of Astry.
"See here, I can't talk of it; she's too fine and sweet and good to be talked about. If she wants me to go and jump in the river—I'll do it, but, by God, I'd like to kill him!"
Astry smiled bitterly but said nothing; he only continued to puff at his cigarette. The pause was awkward and after a little Charter resumed: "I'd better be going; it's pretty late and—" he stopped short and turned around.