“Because she will be so delighted to discover that it is no worse.”
“No worse—it is as bad as it could be in her estimation. I shall feel like a criminal,” and the good-natured giant shuddered.
He was not accustomed to deceit.
“Well, you mark my words—she will reproach you less than you believe.”
“You speak in riddles—why should she be delighted to know it is no worse—why are you here—Heavens alive, man, has she employed you to watch me—does she already know I am engaged in this shameful deceit?”
He poured these questions out.
Already a light was beginning to shine before his eyes.
The detective smiled.
“Thank your stars, Joe Leslie, that when you face your sweet wife you have nothing more serious to confess than this fault.”
“What did you suspect—what does she think?” he asked, almost breathlessly.