“Then we must part until this mystery is cleared up,” I said calmly, my heart full of grief. “You refuse to take me, your husband, into your confidence, therefore I can place no further reliance in your word.”
“Think,” she cried, clutching my arms convulsively. “Why should the happiness of both of us be wrecked by a mere misunderstanding?”
“A misunderstanding!” I echoed. “It is assuredly more than that.”
“No,” she answered, endeavouring to stifle her sobs. “You misunderstand me, believing me false to you, whereas I am acting solely in our mutual interests.”
“To walk alone with a stranger is surely not acting in your husband’s interests,” I observed bitterly.
“Ah, you are mistaken,” she said quickly. “When all is explained you will regret the cruel words you have uttered this evening.”
“Have I, then, no cause to object to your acquaintance with this man?” I inquired, looking sharply at her.
“None whatever. He is neither my lover nor my friend.”
“What is his name?”
“I do not know. He did not tell me,” she replied.