"How much was it?"
"Not very much," said Mrs. Marsden deprecatingly; "but he has done very well with it."
"But that was treachery—a damnable betrayal."
"Richard, don't use strong words. It was no betrayal. It was common sense. Remember, desperate diseases need desperate remedies."
"You went over to my enemy. You helped him to destroy our business."
"I didn't," said Mrs. Marsden earnestly. "I gave him my money; but I gave you my work. I never ceased fighting him. Isn't that true, Mr. Bence?"
"Strictly accurate," said Bence. "She fought gamely to the bitter end."
"You shut your head," said Marsden fiercely. "Don't interfere between me and my wife. I must have this out with her first. I'll talk to you directly."
"I'll be ready for you," said Bence. "But till then, please moderate your language;" and he moved to a window, and looked down into the street.
"So that's what you did, Jane, eh? Sneaked off behind my back, and sold yourself to the enemy!"