“Answer me!”

“I called him up.... I hope I shan’t need him——”

“Are you threatening me with scandal because I let you sleep here last night?”

“There’s no scandal—as long as you are my wife——”

“How long,” said she, “do you suppose I shall remain married to an ex-convict?”

Graydon laughed, fished in his soiled vest for a match, lighted his cigarette:

“You’ve condoned whatever I’ve done, Eris,” he said.

“What!”

“You’ve no case. You’ve condoned my offence. I guess you’ll have to remain married to me, Eris.”

For a full minute she failed to understand, watching him intently, searching for the sinister import of his words.