"No; I am involved. I realise it. And if I am not absolutely honourable and unselfish in this matter I shall involve the woman I had hoped to marry."
"I thought so," she said, reverting to her heap of pasteboard.
"If you think so," he continued, "could you not be a little generous?"
"How?"
"Divorce me—not by naming her—and give me a chance in life."
"No," she said coolly, "I don't care for a divorce. I am comfortable enough. Why should I inconvenience myself because you wish to marry your mistress?"
"In decency and in—charity—to me. It will cost you little. You yourself admit that it is a matter of personal indifference to you whether or not you are entirely and legally free of me."
"Did you ever do anything to deserve my generosity?" she inquired coldly.
"I don't know. I have tried."