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220 with a mighty show of composure, and awaited developments.

Arthur was the first to speak, and he did so gaspingly, "Why—why—d-did you c-come here, Elsie?" he asked.

"Why—why—did I come here?" I repeated mockingly.

"It is quite natural that your wife should be here, Arthur," said the Captain in his most elaborate manner. "She had suspicions—most natural, my dear fellow. She was jealous. You have no right to complain. Jealousy, as I look upon it, is merely an outcome of love. Is that not so, Mrs. Ravener?" (turning to me) "You—pardon my curiosity—thought that you would find a—a—well—a lady with your husband?"

The leer with which he accompanied these remarks was too indescribably repulsive to analyze. I determined to contain myself as much as possible.

"It is with no lady that I have business here," I said, with a miserable attempt at loftiness. "It is with you, Captain Dillington, and with no other."