The judge. [Sharply] In what sense do you use that word?

Ruth.  We love each other.

The judge.  Yes, but——­

Ruth. [Shaking her head] No, your lordship—­not yet.

The judge.  ’Not yet!  H’m! [He looks from Ruth to Falder] Well!

Frome.  What is your husband?

Ruth.  Traveller.

Frome.  And what was the nature of your married life?

Ruth. [Shaking her head] It don’t bear talking about.

Frome.  Did he ill-treat you, or what?

Ruth.  Ever since my first was born.

Frome.  In what way?

Ruth.  I’d rather not say.  All sorts of ways.

The judge.  I am afraid I must stop this, you know.

Ruth. [Pointing to Falder] He offered to take me out of it, sir. 
We were going to South America.

Frome. [Hastily] Yes, quite—­and what prevented you?

Ruth.  I was outside his office when he was taken away.  It nearly broke my heart.

Frome.  You knew, then, that he had been arrested?

Ruth.  Yes, sir.  I called at his office afterwards, and [pointing to Cokeson] that gentleman told me all about it.

Frome.  Now, do you remember the morning of Friday, July 7th?

Ruth.  Yes.

Frome.  Why?

Ruth.  My husband nearly strangled me that morning.

The judge.  Nearly strangled you!

Ruth. [Bowing her head] Yes, my lord.

Frome.  With his hands, or——?

Ruth.  Yes, I just managed to get away from him.  I went straight to my friend.  It was eight o’clock.

The judge.  In the morning?  Your husband was not under the influence of liquor then?

Ruth.  It wasn’t always that.

Frome.  In what condition were you?

Ruth.  In very bad condition, sir.  My dress was torn, and I was half choking.

Frome.  Did you tell your friend what had happened?

Ruth.  Yes.  I wish I never had.

Frome.  It upset him?

Ruth.  Dreadfully.

Frome.  Did he ever speak to you about a cheque?

Ruth.  Never.

Froze.  Did he ever give you any money?

Ruth.  Yes.

Frome.  When was that?

Ruth.  On Saturday.

Frome.  The 8th?

Ruth.  To buy an outfit for me and the children, and get all ready to start.

Frome.  Did that surprise you, or not?

Ruth.  What, sir?

Frome.  That he had money to give you.