He was drawing nearer, his eyes on the ground.
'Have you had bad news--in the City ?' 'Yes, I have.' Still he came nearer, and at length, when a yard or two away, raised his look to her face.
'Have you been out this afternoon ?' She was prompted to a falsehood, but durst not utter it, so keenly was he regarding her.
'Yes, I went to see Miss Barfoot.' 'Liar!' As the word burst from his lips, he sprang at her, clutched her dress at the throat, and flung her violently upon her knees.

A short cry of terror escaped her; then she was stricken dumb, with eyes starting and mouth open.

It was well that he held her by the garment and not by the neck, for his hand closed with murderous convulsion, and the desire of crushing out her life was for an instant all his consciousness.
'Liar!' again burst from him.

'Day after day you have lied to me.

Liar! Adultress!' 'I am not! I am not that!' She clung upon his arms and strove to raise herself.