"But you must tell her so, Bateman."
"I?" cried Bateman. "I'm the last person who could ever do that."
Edward had his back to the vivid light of the moon and his face could not be seen. Is it possible that he smiled again?
"It's no good your trying to conceal anything from her, Bateman. With her quick intelligence she'll turn you inside out in five minutes. You'd better make a clean breast of it right away."
"I don't know what you mean. Of course I shall tell her I've seen you." Bateman spoke in some agitation. "Honestly I don't know what to say to her."
"Tell her that I haven't made good. Tell her that I'm not only poor, but that I'm content to be poor. Tell her I was fired from my job because I was idle and inattentive. Tell her all you've seen to-night and all I've told you."
The idea which on a sudden flashed through Bateman's brain brought him to his feet and in uncontrollable perturbation he faced Edward.
"Man alive, don't you want to marry her?"
Edward looked at him gravely.
"I can never ask her to release me. If she wishes to hold me to my word I will do my best to make her a good and loving husband."