For a few moments there was silence. Then Marsden came slowly to the table, leaned both hands on it, and stared across at his wife.
"What do you mean by that, Jane? Is this another joke?"
"Oh, no," said Mr. Archibald. "It is strictly accurate. Bence's, with all that's in it—including your humble servant—practically belongs to this lady."
"And we all felt," said Collins, "that you ought to know the facts before you started on your journey. We didn't want you coming back again to inquire—don't you know."
Marsden seemed not to hear. He stared at his wife, with his blood-shot eyes widely distended; and he spoke only to her.
"Jane, answer me. Is it true?"
"Yes, Richard."
"But how?"
"You asked me what I did with my money—the remainder of my own money. You were always asking me. Well, I gave it to Mr. Bence."