Greeba was sobbing by this time.
"And now, my darling, you know all, and why I wish to sign this pardon. Could I ever know a moment's happiness with my brother slaving like a beast at yonder mines? What if he is jealous of me, and if his jealousy had driven him to madness! There is a sense in which he is right. But, whether right or wrong, mad or sane, he shall not be punished for my sake. So, dearest love, my darling, dry your beautiful eyes, and let me ease my conscience the only way I may, for I have no fear, and my wife must have none."
"Sunlocks," said Greeba, "you have made me ashamed. I am no fit wife for a man like you. I am too little-hearted. Oh, why did I ever come? Why? Why?" And she wept as if her heart would break. He comforted her with tender protests, enfolding her in his arms and caressing her lovely head.
"Tell me," he whispered, "nay, there, hide your face in my breast. There, there, tell me now—tell me all."
"Sunlocks," she said, drawing back, "I have lied to you."
"Lied?"
"When I told you I had not known Jason I told you what was false."
"Then you have known him?"
"Yes, I knew him in the Isle of Man."
"The Isle of Man?"