“No, no,” said he, inadvertently--“another time will do for that. I am content with your forgiveness. Now I can wait.” “What for?” “Can you ask? Do you consider this a happy state of things?” “Certainly not. But it can't be helped: and we have to thank you for it.” “It could be helped in time. If you would persuade her to take the first step.” “What step?” “Not to disown her husband. To let him at least be her friend--her penitent, humble friend. We are man and wife. If I were to say so publicly, she would admit it. In this respect at least I have been generous: will she not be generous too? What harm could it do her if we lived under the same roof, and I took her to the theater, and fetched her home, and did little friendly offices for her?” “And so got the thin edge of the wedge in, eh? Mr. Severne, I decline all interference in a matter so delicate, and in favor of a person who would use her as ill as ever, if he once succeeded in recovering her affections.” So then she dismissed him peremptorily. But, true to Vizard's interest, she called on him again, and, after a few preliminaries, let him know that Severne was every night behind the scenes. A spasm crossed his face. “I am quite aware of that,” said he. “But he is never admitted into her house.” “How do you know?” “He is under constant surveillance.” “Spies?” “No. Thief-takers. All from Scotland Yard.” “And love brings men down to this. What is it for?” “When I am sure of your co-operation, I will let you know my hopes.” “He doubts my friendship,” said Rhoda sorrowfully. “No; only your discretion.” “I will be discreet.” “Well, then, sooner or later, he is sure to form some improper connection or other; and then I hope you will aid me in persuading her to divorce him.” “That is not so easy in this country. It is not like our Western States, where, the saying is, they give you five minutes at a railway station for di--vorce.” “You forget she is a German Protestant and the marriage was in that country. It will be easy enough.” “Very well; dismiss it from your mind. She will never come before the public in that way. Nothing you nor I could urge would induce her.” Vizard replied, doggedly, “I will never despair, so long as she keeps him out of her house.” Rhoda told Ina Klosking this, and said, “Now it is in your own hands. You have only to let your charming villain into your house, and Mr. Vizard will return to Islip.” Ina Klosking buried her face in her hands, and thought. At night, Vizard in his box, as usual. Severne behind the scenes with his bouquet. But this night he stayed for the ballet, to see a French danseuse who had joined them. He was acquainted with her before, and had a sprightly conversation with her. In other words, he renewed an old flirtation.