"And how long do you wish me to understand that you've been married?"
"Two years."
"Two years? Then--you were married before you came here?"
"Of course."
"Of course? But everyone here has always spoken to me of you as Miss Arnott."
"That is because no one who knows me here knows that I am married."
He put his arms down to his sides, and drew himself up still straighter, so that she had to look right up at him, and knit his brows, as if he found himself confronted by a problem which was incapable of solution.
"I believe that I am the least curious of men, I say it seriously; but it appears to me that this is a situation in which curiosity is justified. You made yourself known to me as Miss Arnott; as Miss Arnott there have previously been certain passages between us; as Miss Arnott you have permitted me to tell you that I love you; you have even admitted that you love me. It is only when I take it for granted--as I am entitled to do--that the mutual confession involves your becoming my wife, that you inform me--that you are already a married woman. Under the circumstances I think I have a right to ask for information at least on certain points; as, for instance, so that I may know how to address you--what is your husband's name?"
"Robert Champion."
"Robert Champion? Then--you are Mrs Champion?"