Nevertheless, Francis' voice was scarcely raised above a whisper.
"My evidence at the coroner's inquest," he confided, "was a subtly concocted tissue of lies.

I committed perjury freely.

That is the real reason why I've been a little on the nervy side lately, and why I took these few months out of harness." "Good God!" Wilmore exclaimed, setting down untasted the glass of brandy which he had just raised to his lips.
"I want to finish this matter up," Francis continued calmly, "by making a clean breast of it to you, because from to-night I am starting afresh, with new interests in my life, what will practically amount to a new career.

That is why I preferred not to dine at the club to-night, although I am looking forward to seeing them all again.

I wanted instead to have this conversation with you.