To discover the woman who was by law his wife would undoubtedly be a good beginning now that he had every disposition to fix himself in a steady course, but he saw no advantage whatever in coming before a bench of magistrates and re-opening the story of his past.

It would be pleasant to deal a blow at this man Quarrier; but, if Marks had told him the truth, Quarrier was in any case doomed to exposure.

Was it not possible to act at once with prudence and with self-respect, to gain some solid benefit without practice of rascality?
It involved breaking his word, but was he bound to keep faith with a man who proceeded on the assumption that he was ready for any base dealing?
The money in his pocket he might find an opportunity of paying back.

In this matter before him, he was undeniably an injured man.

Lilian was treating him very badly indeed, very unfairly.