She obeyed me, and I then related the information I had received.  ’This ruin comes upon me through you.’  She thought I was about to make a vulgar complaint of extravagance, and for once flushed with anger.  ‘Remain entirely quiet,’ I said.  ’Hear me, but do not interrupt by word or gesture.  You do not yet understand me.’

Then I entered on all the particulars of my life; recounted my passion for her; told how in my mad infatuation I had bargained for her; how in my selfish exultation I had assumed all the freedoms of love, never stopping to question my right to exercise them; how I was aroused from my stupid content by accidentally witnessing her interview with Frank.  I related the feelings this excited within me; how for the first time I learned the miserable and contemptible part I had acted; how I then understood the sorrow of her life; how I would have crushed out my love and given her to Frank, had there been any practicable way; how, knowing that the only chance for happiness to both was in mutual love, I had determined to gain hers by every act of devotion; how I sought to give her the only relation to Frank she could properly bear—­his benefactress.  I told her of my secret studies, designed to fit me for companionship with her; of my withdrawing with her into the wilderness, that her grief might be alleviated in the inspiring presence of uncontaminated nature; of my expenditures to gratify her wishes and tastes.  I narrated the incidents which preceded the duel, and informed her that I was perfectly acquainted with Sefton’s object in seeking an encounter with me; that I gratified him because willing to undertake every hazard for her sake.  Finally, I avowed my knowledge of all the disappointment her heart had experienced by Frank’s inconstancy.’ know you feel, to-night,’ I said, ’that existence is an imposture—­worse than the meanest jiggle.  So do I. The only thing that can render it a reality is love.  I intended to say to you, let us end it.  For two years, I have borne the mask of a hypocrite that I might thus tell you of my idolatry, and say give me love or die.  This letter necessitates a change of purpose.  I welcome it as announcing that my sacrifice is complete—­inadequate in comparison with the one you made in uniting yourself to me, but all that I have to give.  It is requisite that I must yet live to do others justice—­to provide for our children; although they have been valueless to me since I knew that their souls were not links between ours.  But you I release.  Before dawn I shall be on my return.  The provision for your future, thank heaven, no demands of justice can infringe.  Hereafter know me not as your husband, but as one who wronged you, devoted his all to reparation, and failed.’