Foster's degradation acceded, though in his better moments he contemned
his employer and himself.

'What,' I meditated, 'can be Sefton's design? Can it be to compel my
wife to his passion through threats of destroying her reputation?' I
smiled as I thought of the futility of such a scheme, for Evelyn would
treat with the most scornful defiance any attempt at coercion, although
resistance would sacrifice not only her honor but her life. But this can
not be his real object, else why would he have advised a divorce? I have
it. He is really infatuated with her, and desires to free her from my
possession that she may come into his--knowing his ability to clear her
character, should it appear contaminated, but reckoning chiefly on its
preservation by my own delicacy from any public stain.

Foster informed me that he always made Sefton aware of my wife's
visits,--as she appointed the evenings for them,--and that Sefton
attended the interviews, concealed in the next room. I therefore
arranged with Foster to inform Sefton that she would be present the next
evening, and then took my leave, Foster repeating again and again,
'Sefton's a rascal--Mrs. Bell's an angel. Only want, absolute want, made
me undertake this. Yes, sir,--I assure you,--_want_.'

In pursuance of the arrangement, I visited Foster the next evening,
arriving before Sefton, and going into the next apartment. Sefton soon
after entered and engaged in a conversation with Foster, which fully
corroborated the information I had previously obtained. During its
progress I entered upon them. Sefton was amazed, and struck with a
consciousness of discovered guilt.

'I am now fully aware,' I said, 'Mr. Sefton, of your cause for interest