through; wait! And if not--well, you shall not suffer, Sheila.
Don't be afraid. There are other ways out.'

Sheila broke down. 'Any one would think to hear you talk, that I
was perfectly heartless. I told Ada to be most careful about the
cornflour. And as for other ways out, it's a positively wicked
thing to say to me when I'm nearly distracted with trouble and
anxiety. What motive could you have had for loitering in an old
cemetery? And in an east wind! It's useless for me to remain
here, Arthur, to be accused of every horrible thing that comes
into a morbid imagination. I will leave you, as you suggest, in
peace.'

'One moment, Sheila,' answered the muffled voice. 'I have accused
you of nothing. If you knew all; if you could read my thoughts,
you would be surprised, perhaps, at my-- But never mind that. On
the other hand, I really do think it would be better for the
present to discuss the thing no more. To-day is Friday. Give this
miserable face a week. Talk it over with Bethany if you like. But
I forbid'--he struggled up in bed, sallow and sinister--'I flatly
forbid, please understand, any other interference till then.
Afterwards you must do exactly as you please. Send round the Town
Crier! But till then, silence!'

Sheila with raised head confronted him. 'This, then, is your
gratitude. So be it. Silence, no doubt! Until it's too late to
take action. Until you have wormed your way in, and think you are
safe. To have believed! Where is my husband? that is what I am
asking you now. When and how you have learned his secrets God
only knows, and your conscience! But he always was a simpleton at