in my affairs, and of the manner in which you have evinced it'

He had by a violent effort recovered his equanimity, and
said,--'Prevarication or denial I suppose to be useless. You have
probably outbid me for the confidence of this miserable villain. What do
you propose to do?'

'Were we both young,' I replied, 'there would be only one answer to that
question. It would be necessary to have recourse to a duel. As it is, I
am too old a man to be indulged leniently by the public in such a
proceeding. Moreover, I am conscientiously averse to initiating it.
Besides, it will not be permissible in this case to drag my wife's name
into any publicity. My only alternative, therefore, is to remain content
with the private discovery of your rascality, and hereafter to forbid
you any association with what pertains to me or my affairs.'

'I will obviate all your objections,' he replied. 'I will assume the
initiative, and attribute your acceptance of a challenge to such causes
as will excuse you to the public. Some story may easily be devised which
will cover the real motives for our proceeding.'

'_Now_,' I meditated, 'I have the clue to the mystery. Relying properly
on my wife's pride, and (alas!) her probable want of regard for me, this
man was convinced that she would not relate his attempt upon her, and
that I should never therefore be able to trace his connection with the
conspiracy. My opportune knowledge has counteracted his designs.
Evidently he has determined to possess Evelyn in marriage, since he can
in no other way. Therefore he suggested the divorce; and now, being an
excellent shot (while unaware of my own skill), he counts on removing me
by death--thus destroying all proof of his villany, and at the same time