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 ‘Now, listen to this. If you do not want to sink still lower in my esteem you will promise me to attempt that no more.’

‘I am ready to promise. I saw how wicked it was.’

‘Wicked! I am shocked at the idea beyond description.’

‘But, Angel,’ she pleaded, enlarging her eyes in calm unconcern upon him, ‘it was thought of entirely on your account—to set you free without the scandal of the divorce that I thought you would have to get. I should never have dreamt of doing it on mine. However, to do it with my own hand is too good for me, after all. It is you, my ruined husband, who ought to strike the blow. I think I should love you more, if that were possible, if you could bring yourself to do it, since there’s no other way of escape for ’ee. I feel I am so utterly worthless! So very greatly in the way!’

‘Ssh!’

‘Well, since you say no, I won’t. I have no wish opposed to yours.’

He knew this to be true enough. Since the desperation of the night her activities had