But the tormenting presence of the intercepted letter in his pocket drew him back to the house.

He encountered his wife in the hallway.
"There was some mail for me--where is it ?" she said, extending a hand confidently.
He produced the letter from his pocket, poising it tantalizingly between his fingers.

She recognized the handwriting and a wave of red mounted to her forehead.

Also, she observed the ragged slit at the top of the envelope and the painful realization that he had read the contents rushed on her.
"How dared you ?" She tried to seize the letter, but he, anticipating her move, withdrew his arm and thrust the missive into his pocket.

"I didn't believe it possible you could sink so low," she murmured.