You are Horace Tanner, and you have in your possession a letter from my wife addressed to James Douglas? Mr. Tanner, you and I have met under extraordinary circumstances, and spoken together as men speak once or twice in a lifetime. It is not possible for us to part now—that is, it is not possible for me, with no further speech. I acknowledge that I exceeded my rights in demanding an explanation. I want to win your acquiescence by another method. Evidently you know something of what lay between my wife and myself. Until tonight I thought no one knew. [_A pause._] I will tell you the story if you wish. Shall I? [_TANNER walks backwards and forwards behind ROBERTS, who is seated. It is evidently a difficult decision. ROBERTS is not looking at him. ROBERTS’ eyes are downcast, as he is embarrassed with his own offer._] ROBERTS. [_Over his shoulder._] If you say no, there is nothing left but to bid each other good-night. In that case, I shall have an additional weight to carry, when it often seems to me the one I have is too heavy to be borne. TANNER. Go on—speak. [_There is a pause while each man seems to gather himself together. TANNER seats himself, right desk._] ROBERTS. It is very extraordinary for me to find myself bidden to speak at my own solicitation, of matters which a half-hour since I should have said would be forever hidden, yet when one has upon one’s mind, day and night, waking and sleeping, one all-pervading thought, silence becomes an unbearable torment. Under such circumstances, even the dumb must speak. TANNER. I understand—go on. ROBERTS. In spite of our grim words just now, demanding and denying, something in you makes me willing to speak. May I ask you one question? TANNER. Yes, with the provision I need not answer it. ROBERTS. You would not allow me to use the words “my wife.” Did your knowledge come from her? TANNER. During the time I knew her, you mean? [_ROBERTS bows his head in assent._] TANNER. No, it did not. ROBERTS. [_Springing from his chair, threateningly._] What was there between you? Tell me! TANNER. To use your own term, you have no right to ask me that. ROBERTS. O God, don’t hurl that at me over and over again. [_He goes to back of stage._] TANNER. You were going to tell me a story? ROBERTS.