‘I hadn’t the least intention of seeing you,’ she replied.  ’It was a curiosity to know where you lived, nothing else.  I shall never forgive you for the way in which you have behaved to me, so you needn’t try to explain yourself.’

’Here and now, I should certainly not try.  The only thing I will say about myself is, that I very much regret not having made known that you were married to me when plain honesty required it.  Now, I look upon it as something over and done with, as far as I am concerned.  I shall never benefit by the deception—­’

She interrupted him.

’How do you know that I shall benefit by it?  How can you tell what has been happening since you last heard from me in America?’

‘I have taken it for granted that things are the same.’

’Then you didn’t even take measures to have news of me from any one else?’

‘What need?  I should always have received any letter you sent.’

’You thought it likely that I should appeal to you if I were in difficulties.’

He stood silent, glad of the obscurity which made it needless for him to command his features.  At length: 

‘What is the simple fact?  Has your secret been discovered, or not?’

‘How does it concern you?’

’Only in this way:  that if you are to be dependent upon any one, it must be upon me.’

Nancy gave a scornful laugh.

’That’s very generous, considering your position.  But happily you can’t force me to accept your generosity, any more than I can compel you to take a share of my money.’

‘Without the jibe at my poverty,’ Tarrant said, ’that is a sufficient answer.  As we can’t even pretend to be friendly with each other, I am very glad there need be no talk of our future relations.  You are provided for, and no doubt will take care not to lose the provision.  If ever you prefer to forget that we are legally bound, I shall be no obstacle.’

‘I have thought of that,’ replied Nancy, after a pause, her voice expressing satisfaction.  ’Perhaps we should do better to make the understanding at once.  You are quite free; I should never acknowledge you as my husband.’

‘You seriously mean it?’

‘Do I seem to be joking?’

’Very well.  I won’t say that I should never acknowledge you as my wife; so far from that, I hold myself responsible whenever you choose to make any kind of claim upon me.  But I shall not dream of interfering with your liberty.  If ever you wish to write to me, you may safely address to the house at Champion Hill.—­And remember always,’ he added sternly, ’that it was not I who made such a parting necessary.’

Nancy returned his look through the gloom, and said in like tone: 

’I shall do my best never to think of it at all.  Fortunately, my time and my thoughts are occupied.’

‘How?’ Tarrant could not help asking, as she turned away; for her tone implied some special significance in the words.