'That you swear?'
'I say it, Mrs. Merrett, on my honour, as a gentleman.'
'Then there's lying somewhere. Then do you mean to say that you come to me--a stranger, and the wife of a stranger--and offer to make me an allowance of five pounds a week, and to educate my children? Why, Mr. Howarth, why?'
'From quixotic motives, if you like to put it so. I say--which is the simple truth, Mrs. Merrett, although it seems so strange to you,--because of the interest with which your husband inspired me, even after our very brief acquaintance.'
'He called to me last night.'
'He? Who?'
'My James.'
'He called to you? What do you mean?
Returning to the fireplace, Mr. Howarth stood so that I couldn't see his face.
'Out of a box.'