"Do you mean to say that you are the father of--of Oliver Hilditch's wife ?" "Widow," the other corrected gently.

"I have that honour.

You will understand, therefore, that I feel myself on this, the first opportunity, compelled to tender my sincere thanks for evidence so chivalrously offered, so flawlessly truthful." Francis was a man accustomed to self-control, but he clenched his hands so that his finger nails dug into his flesh.

He was filled with an insane and unreasoning resentment against this man whose words were biting into his conscience.

Nevertheless, he kept his tone level.
"I do not desire your gratitude," he said, "nor, if you will permit me to say so, your further acquaintance." The stranger shook his head regretfully.
"You are wrong," he protested.