“‘If you have anything to tell me,’ I said, firmly, ‘do so at once. I cannot stand suspense.’ “‘Then prepare for the worst. Conway has gone to Monte Carlo alone, but he will be joined in Paris by a woman to-morrow night. That woman is your wife.’ “My hand flew to his throat, but he was prepared, and pushed me with almost superhuman strength against some railings close by. We were at the corner of Pall Mall, and, suddenly putting his arm through mine, he dragged me toward the steps of St. James’ Park. Here it was quiet. I loosened myself from his grasp. “‘You are a coward and a villain!’ I exclaimed. ‘Your words maddened me at first, but I am sane now. Great heavens, that you should have dared to utter such a lie and be alive!’ “He grasped my hand with his. “‘Keep your head cool,’ he said. ‘If I had not proof, do you think I should speak as I have done?’ “‘Proof!’ “I staggered to the steps and sank down, burying my face in my hands. “‘This afternoon,’ he went on, quickly, ‘I called at your house. Your wife was in, the maid said, and I entered the drawing-room. I waited several minutes, and then the maid returned, saying that her mistress was not at home, after all, and, leaving a message for her, I took my departure. At the gate I picked up this note in Conway’s hand; you can see it by the light of this lamp. It says, “Come to my studio at once for final arrangements. To-morrow I trust will see the end of all your trouble, suspense and anxiety. Then will come my reward; for you will trust in me henceforth forever, will you not?” I was stunned when I read it,’ Everest went on. ‘My first impulse was to tear it into shreds and to cast it from me; but I thought of you, Douglas, and a vague sense of danger stayed me. It was still early, and I determined to go to Conway’s studio and reason with him--demand an explanation. I went.’ “Everest’s voice grew husky for a moment, Stuart, while every word he uttered went to my heart like a knife; my youth died in that moment of supreme agony. “‘I went,’ he continued, ‘and asked to see Conway; he came to me for a second, looking strangely agitated. I suggested staying with him till he started that evening, but he refused to let me, and hurried me away. I took my departure, ill at ease; for, despite his repeated asseverations that he had much to do, I felt he had a visitor; and my suspicions were only too well grounded, for, on turning my head when I reached the road, I saw your wife standing with him in the studio talking earnestly. Then I came to you.’ “‘To crush my happiness!’ I exclaimed, recklessly. ‘It was thoughtful!’ “‘You judge me as I feared,’ he answered, sadly. ‘Well, I have done what I considered my duty; the rest is for you.’ “‘The rest will be forgotten,’ I answered. “‘What--you will submit to dishonor, you will stand deceit! You will receive her kisses to-night, remembering her lover’s this afternoon! You are no longer a man, Gerant!’