"Only your word to confirm what I have just said."
"What are you talking about?"
"Your marriage with Mary."
"I think I told you that it was none of your business."
"Perhaps you did. But I've made it my business."
"May I ask why?"
"Yes, you may ask, Langly, and I'll tell you. It's because, recently, there have been rumours concerning you and a Mrs. Leeds. That's the reason."
Sprowl's hands, hanging at his sides, began nervously closing and unclosing:
"Is that all, Ledwith?"
"That's all—when you have confirmed what I have said concerning the necessity for your marriage with the woman you debauched."