"You are not ashamed to say you were listening on the stairs--on your hands and knees perhaps--to my conversation with my wife?"
"I would have listened on my belly if need be," said Magnus, and his face darkened more and more.
"May I ask why you listened?" said Oscar.
"Because I could not do otherwise."
"How so?"
"I had given my word to be here when wanted."
"To my wife?"
"Yes."
"You will excuse my saying, Magnus, that it would be much better if you attended to your own business."
"This is my own business. Oscar, you must give the child back to Thora."