‘How can you ask such a question? To write in that way after never answering my letter for months, leaving me without a word at such a time, making me think either that you were dead or that you would never let me hear of you again--’ ‘I told you it was a mere note, just to let you know I was back. I said you should hear more when we met.’ ‘Very well, we have met. What have you to say for yourself?’ ‘First of all, this. That you are mistaken in supposing I should ever consent to share your money. The thought was natural to you, no doubt; but I see things from a different point of view.’ His cold anger completely disguised the emotion stirred in him by Nancy’s presence. Had he not spoken thus, he must have given way to joy and tenderness. For Nancy seemed more beautiful than the memory he had retained of her, and even at such a juncture she was far from exhibiting the gross characteristics attributed to her by his rebellious imagination. ‘Then I don’t understand,’ were her next words, ‘why you wrote to me again at all.’ ‘There are many things in me that you don’t understand, and can’t understand.’ ‘Yes, I think so. That’s why I see no use in our talking.’ Tarrant was ashamed of what he had said--a meaningless retort, which covered his inability to speak as his heart prompted. ‘At all events I wanted to see you, and it’s fortunate you passed just as I was coming out.’ Nancy would not accept the conciliatory phrase. ‘I hadn’t the least intention of seeing you,’ she replied. ‘It was a curiosity to know where you lived, nothing else. I shall never forgive you for the way in which you have behaved to me, so you needn’t try to explain yourself.’ ‘Here and now, I should certainly not try. The only thing I will say about myself is, that I very much regret not having made known that you were married to me when plain honesty required it. Now, I look upon it as something over and done with, as far as I am concerned. I shall never benefit by the deception--’ She interrupted him. ‘How do you know that _I_ shall benefit by it? How can you tell what has been happening since you last heard from me in America?’ ‘I have taken it for granted that things are the same.’ ‘Then you didn’t even take measures to have news of me from any one else?’ ‘What need? I should always have received any letter you sent.’ ‘You thought it likely that I should appeal to you if I were in difficulties.’ He stood silent, glad of the obscurity which made it needless for him to command his features. At length: ‘What is the simple fact? Has your secret been discovered, or not?’ ‘How does it concern you?’ ‘Only in this way: that if you are to be dependent upon any one, it must be upon me.’ Nancy gave a scornful laugh. ‘That’s very generous, considering your position. But happily you can’t force me to accept your generosity, any more than I can compel you to take a share of my money.’