This duty accomplished, he had merely to add that he preferred submitting to a reprimand from the bench to entering into explanations which would involve the disclosure of domestic circumstances of a very unhappy nature.

After that brief reply he had nothing further to say, and he would respectfully request the justice's permission to withdraw.
The permission was accorded.

As he crossed the room he stopped near his wife, and said, confusedly, in a very low tone: "I have done you many injuries, but I never intended this.

I am sorry for it.

Have you anything to say to me before I go ?" My mistress shuddered and hid her face.