_Mr. Clarkson_--I beg your pardon, madam, for having insisted on making my way in here; but a few moments ago I found on returning to my house, a letter from your husband. It asked me for a rendezvous as soon as possible, without giving me a reason for it. I find M. de Septmonts not at home. May I ask you if you know how I can be of service to him? _Catherine_--I was under the impression that in his letter, M. de Septmonts explained to you the matter in which he wishes your assistance. _Clarkson_--No. _Catherine_--Did not his letter contain another letter, sealed, which he purposed leaving in your hands? _Clarkson_--No. _Catherine_--Are you really telling me the truth? _Clarkson_--I never lie, madam: I have too much business on my hands; it would mix me up quite too much in my affairs. _Catherine_--Then perhaps it is to Mrs. Clarkson that my husband has intrusted that letter. _Clarkson_--No. She would have mentioned it; for I told her that I had received a line from the Duke, and was on my way to this house. _Catherine_--Perhaps your wife did not tell you--all. _Clarkson_--She has no earthly reason to conceal anything from me! _Catherine_--True! I know very well that she is your wife only in name; she told me as much when I was at her house yesterday. _Clarkson_--Really! She must be very much pleased with you, for she does not talk readily about her personal affairs. _Catherine_--Unfortunately, it is quite otherwise as far as I am concerned; she has not hidden from me the fact that she detests me, and that she will do me all the injury she possibly can. _Clarkson_--You? Injury? For what reason? Pray, what have you done to her? _Catherine_--Nothing! I have known her only two days. Nevertheless-- _Clarkson_--Nevertheless-- _Catherine_--What I was going to say is not my secret, sir, it is hers, and she alone has the right to tell it to you. But as to this letter that my husband has told my father he has sent to you--it is I who wrote that letter. You may as well know, too, that it was abstracted from my possession; and moreover, that with that letter any one can indeed do me all the mischief with which your wife, Mrs. Clarkson, has threatened me. _Clarkson_ [_very gravely_]--Then we must know at once if my wife has that letter. I will write her to come here immediately and join us--that I have something very important to communicate to her--here. Are you willing to have her come? [_He writes while he speaks._] _Catherine_--Certainly. _Clarkson_--Then we can have a general explanation. You may be sure, madam, that I shall never lend my hand to anything that means harm to you, or to any woman: I come from the country where we respect women. _Catherine_ [_rings the bell, and says to a servant who answers it_]--See that this letter is sent immediately. Be careful that it does not go astray. It is not my letter. This gentleman has written it. [_Exit servant._]