‘What,’ I meditated, ’can be Sefton’s design?  Can it be to compel my wife to his passion through threats of destroying her reputation?’ I smiled as I thought of the futility of such a scheme, for Evelyn would treat with the most scornful defiance any attempt at coercion, although resistance would sacrifice not only her honor but her life.  But this can not be his real object, else why would he have advised a divorce?  I have it.  He is really infatuated with her, and desires to free her from my possession that she may come into his—­knowing his ability to clear her character, should it appear contaminated, but reckoning chiefly on its preservation by my own delicacy from any public stain.

Foster informed me that he always made Sefton aware of my wife’s visits,—­as she appointed the evenings for them,—­and that Sefton attended the interviews, concealed in the next room.  I therefore arranged with Foster to inform Sefton that she would be present the next evening, and then took my leave, Foster repeating again and again, ’Sefton’s a rascal—­Mrs. Bell’s an angel.  Only want, absolute want, made me undertake this.  Yes, sir,—­I assure you,—­want.’

In pursuance of the arrangement, I visited Foster the next evening, arriving before Sefton, and going into the next apartment.  Sefton soon after entered and engaged in a conversation with Foster, which fully corroborated the information I had previously obtained.  During its progress I entered upon them.  Sefton was amazed, and struck with a consciousness of discovered guilt.

‘I am now fully aware,’ I said, ’Mr. Sefton, of your cause for interest in my affairs, and of the manner in which you have evinced it’

He had by a violent effort recovered his equanimity, and said,—­’Prevarication or denial I suppose to be useless.  You have probably outbid me for the confidence of this miserable villain.  What do you propose to do?’

‘Were we both young,’ I replied, ’there would be only one answer to that question.  It would be necessary to have recourse to a duel.  As it is, I am too old a man to be indulged leniently by the public in such a proceeding.  Moreover, I am conscientiously averse to initiating it.  Besides, it will not be permissible in this case to drag my wife’s name into any publicity.  My only alternative, therefore, is to remain content with the private discovery of your rascality, and hereafter to forbid you any association with what pertains to me or my affairs.’

‘I will obviate all your objections,’ he replied.  ’I will assume the initiative, and attribute your acceptance of a challenge to such causes as will excuse you to the public.  Some story may easily be devised which will cover the real motives for our proceeding.’