Running his hand over the piano, Montgomery begged of Kate to continue her story; but as she proceeded with the analysis of her passion the events became more and more difficult to narrate; and she knew not how to tell the tale how one dark night her husband sent her down to open the door to Dick; but she must tell everything so that the whole of the blame should not fall upon him. She alluded vaguely to violence and to force; Montgomery's face darkened and he protested against his friend's conduct. To Kate it was consoling to meet someone who thought she was not entirely to blame, and the conversation came to a pause. 'And now I'm going about the country with you all, and am thinking of going on the stage.' 'And will be a success, too--that I'll bet my life.' 'Do you really think so? Do tell me the real truth; do you think I shall ever be able to sing?' 'I'm sure of it.' 'Well, I'm glad to hear you say so, for it's now more necessary than ever.' 'How do you mean? Has anything fresh happened? You're not on bad terms with Dick, are you? Tell me.' 'Oh, not the least! Dick is very good to me; but if I tell you something you promise not to mention it?' 'I promise.' 'Well, we were--I don't know what you call it--summoned, I think--by a man before we left Blackpool to appear in the Divorce Court.' For nearly half a minute they looked at each other in silence; then Montgomery said: 'I suppose it was after all about the best thing that could happen.' This answer surprised Kate. 'Why,' she said, 'do you think it's the best thing that could happen to me?' 'Because when you get your divorce, if you play your cards well, you'll be able to get Dick to marry you.' Kate made no reply, and for some time both considered the question in silence. She wondered if Dick loved her sufficiently to make such a sacrifice for her: Montgomery reflected on the best means of persuading his friend 'to do right by the woman.' At last he said: 'But what did you mean just now when you said that it was more necessary than ever that you should go on the stage?' 'I don't know, only that if I'm going to be divorced I suppose I'd better see what I can do to get my living.' 'Well, it isn't my fault if you aren't on the stage already. I've been trying to induce you to make up your mind for the last month past.' 'Oh, the chorus! that horrid chorus! I never could walk about before a whole theatre full of people in those red tights.' 'There's nothing indecent in wearing tights. Our leading actresses play in travestie. In Faust Trebelli Bettini wears tights, and I'm sure no one can say anything against her.'