"He goes a good deal to the theatre—to see the girls on the stage."
"His true father was also, I believe, inclined that way. The best way, I take it, if I may advise——"
"Pray advise."
"One way, at least, would be to take the bull by the horns and bring them together. When she finds that the young man so like her husband is your son, she will at least make no further investigation in this direction."
"Do what you like," said the lady, sinking back in her chair. "I desire nothing except to avoid a scandal—such a scandal, Sir Richard; it would kill me."
"There shall be no scandal. The secret is mine." Sir Richard rose. "I promise, once more, to keep this secret till you give me permission to reveal it."
"Will you ever have to ask my permission?"
"On my honour, I believe not. I cannot conceive any turn of the wheel which would make such a permission desirable."
"My death, perhaps, might set you free; and it would rid society of a pretender."