Swallowing his gall, he spoke quietly.
"Mr.Northway, we can't talk as if we were friends; but I must remember that you have never intentionally done me any wrong--that it is _I_ who am immediately to blame for this state of things.

I hope you will talk it over with me"---- His voice failed, but the first step had been taken.

He sat down, motioning the other to a chair.
"I can't allow my wife to live any longer in this way," began the adversary, with blundering attempt at dignified speech.
"My wife" was like a blow to Denzil; he flushed, started, yet controlled himself.

What Mrs.Wade had told him of Northway's characteristics came into his mind, and he saw that this address might be mere bluster.
"It's very natural for you to speak in that way; but there is no undoing what has happened.

I must say that at once, and as firmly as possible.