“You must excuse me, Colman,” said Cahusac, somewhat at fault; “I am aware of delicate ground--but why do you speak of them unitedly? Merriam has broken no conventions; naturally, he will be received everywhere, as usual.” “He will claim equal privileges for his wife.” “But they are not continuing to live together, as if nothing had happened?” “Just as if nothing had happened.” replied Hugh, with the conviction of ignorance. “And your relations remain unbroken?” “Certainly,” said Hugh. Cahusac, who had been ascending the scale of mystification, rose from his chair. “You are three astounding people--the world won’t stand that, you know--it’s almost too much for me, and I’m not squeamish. No. Hang it all--The _mari complaisant_--and Merriam is the last man in the world--it beats me altogether. Look here, I’ll come back another time. I must digest this first!” The cleanly Briton in him was disgusted. Polyandry in Terra del Fuego is ethnologically interesting. In England it wears a different aspect. Hugh broke into a half laugh, and, striding forward, seized Cahusac by the shoulder and swung him round. “You silly fool,” he cried. “Do you suppose I’m the man to let you talk like this about my private affairs, if things were as you think? Has it never entered your head that the story was a lie from beginning to end? That Mrs. Merriam is the purest of women and the most spotless of wives? That it was the desperate stroke of two heroic friends to save a man’s life?” The journalist’s rosy face expressed blank astonishment. He sank upon a chair and muttered incoherent wonder and apology. “You are more astounding than ever!” he exclaimed at last. “Of course I was taken in, like the judge, jury, press, public, everybody--I’m heartily thankful.” Suddenly he grew very grave. “Are you aware that you have committed a blazing indiscretion?” “In telling you?” “Yes.” “I know something of men,” said Hugh in his grand way. “You can no more know a man in calm weather than you can know a ship. I myself am not aware what a villain I could be, if it were worth my while. I’ll try to keep straight. But don’t trust any one else with your secret. The blabbing tongue--the ears of the police--that heroic woman had up for perjury--I need say no more.” Hugh walked about the room, agitated. “You are right. Of course I knew it in a vague sort of way--but I have been driven half crazy--the strain of the last month--unimaginable--God knows how I pulled through. You are the first man I have spoken to. I couldn’t bear to let you think ill of her--and your kind, honest mug was so refreshing to me--I couldn’t help it. I never realised clearly before, that to save her from penal servitude I must consent to stand by and see the world throw mud at her. What a complicated wreck one’s life becomes as soon as it leaves the rails!”