Clarkson—No.
Catherine—Are you really telling me the truth?
Clarkson—I never lie, madam: I have too much business on my hands; it would mix me up quite too much in my affairs.
Catherine—Then perhaps it is to Mrs. Clarkson that my husband has intrusted that letter.
Clarkson—No. She would have mentioned it; for I told her that I had received a line from the Duke, and was on my way to this house.
Catherine—Perhaps your wife did not tell you—all.
Clarkson—She has no earthly reason to conceal anything from me!
Catherine—True! I know very well that she is your wife only in name; she told me as much when I was at her house yesterday.
Clarkson—Really! She must be very much pleased with you, for she does not talk readily about her personal affairs.
Catherine—Unfortunately, it is quite otherwise as far as I am concerned; she has not hidden from me the fact that she detests me, and that she will do me all the injury she possibly can.