And he had a stronger motive now.
Consciously or unconsciously he felt that his friendship for Tyson was a safeguard.

A safeguard against--he hardly knew what.

But the idea of Mrs.
Nevill Tyson was like fire to his dry mood.

His brain flared up all in a moment, though his tongue spoke coolly enough.
"I swear I never did anything of the sort.

I haven't seen your wife for ages--till to-night.