"Yes, it was a marvel, wasn't it?"--her eyes brightening with a spark
of the old fun. "We lived in a constant state of alarms and
excursions. But Mr. Travers did what he could. He knew all about it,
and he helped us."
"On conditions, no doubt?"
"Of course, on conditions. But he said, quite truthfully, that he had
no idea of blackmailing me. It was just a fair bargain between us."
She paused a little before she went on: "Now, you understand what
brought us to Marut, and what made you such a desirable catch. We
wanted to get clear away from the past and build up a new life. But we
couldn't. One can't build up anything on a lie."
"That is true," he returned sternly, "and yet this is hardly a time
for you to talk of your failure. From the moment that you are my
wife--"
"But, John, that's what I never shall be." She laughed wearily. "Do
you think a clever woman would own up to an unpleasant past to the man
she wanted to marry? And if you want to hear more detestable things
about me, ask the Colonel, ask Mrs. Berry, ask the Rajah. They know
all about me, for I told them yesterday. You don't need to look so
white and haggard. I am not going to marry you. That is what I came to
say. And I wanted to explain everything, and to ask you, if you can,
to forgive me all the trouble I have brought upon you." She rose, and
held out her hand to him. "Will you shake hands, John?"
He stood motionless by the table, watching her with a last stirring of
the old distrust.
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