’Yes, I must tell you.  I have thought about it much, and I know that it is better that you should be told.’  He had thought much about it, and had so resolved.  But he had not quite known how difficult the telling would be.  And now he was aware that he was adding to the horror she would feel by pausing and making much of the thing.  And yet he could not tell it as though it were a light matter.  If he could have declared it all at once,—­at first, with a smile on his face, then expressing his disgust at the woman’s falsehood,—­it would have been better.  ’That woman has written me a letter in which she declares herself to be—­my wife!’

‘Your wife!  John!  Your wife?’ These exclamations came from her almost with a shriek as she jumped up from his arms and for a moment stood before him.

‘Come back to me,’ he said.  Then again she seated herself.  ’You did not leave me then because you doubted me?’

‘Oh no,’ she cried, throwing herself upon him and smothering him with kisses—­’No, no!  It was surprise at such horrid words,—­not doubt, not doubt of you.  I will never doubt you.’

’It was because I was sure of you that I have ventured to tell you this.’

‘You may be sure of me,’ she said, sobbing violently the while.  ’You are sure of me; are you not?  And now tell it me all.  How did she say so? why did she say so?  Is she coming to claim you?  Tell me all.  Oh, John, tell me everything.’

’The why is soon told.  Because she wants money.  She had heard no doubt of my marriage and thought to frighten me out of money.  I do not think she would do it herself.  The man Crinkett has put her up to it.’

‘What does she say?’

‘Just that,—­and then she signs herself,—­Euphemia Caldigate.’

‘Oh, John!’

‘Now you know it all.’

‘May I not see the letter?’

’For what good?  But you shall see it if you wish it.  I have determined that nothing shall be kept back from you.  In all that there may ever be to trouble us the best comfort will be in perfect confidence.’  He had already learned enough of her nature to be sure that in this way would he best comfort her, and most certainly ensure her trust in himself.

‘Oh yes,’ she cried.  ‘If you will tell me all, I will never doubt you.’  Then she took the letter from his hand, and attempted to read it.  But her excitement was so great that though the words were written very clearly, she could not bring her mind to understand them.  ’Treachery!  Ruin!  Married to you!  What is it all?  Do you read it to me;—­every word of it.’  Then he did read it; every word of it.  ’She says that she will marry the other man.  How can she marry him when she says that she is—­your wife?’

’Just so, my pet.  But you see what she says.  It does not matter much to her whether it be true or false, so that she can get my money from me.  But, Hester, I would fain be just even to her.  No doubt she wrote the letter.’