But since then I have learned that among the many things I owe to--to your wife is the fact that five years ago she secretly DIVORCED ME, and that consequently my living presence could neither be a danger nor a menace to you.

I see," he added, dryly, with a quick glance at Demorest's horror-stricken face, "that I was also told the truth when they said you were as ignorant of the divorce as I was." He stopped, half in pity of his adversary's shame, half in surprise of his own calmness.

Five years before, in the tumultuous consciousness of his wrongs, he would have scarcely trusted himself face to face with the cooler and more self-controlled Demorest.

He wondered at and partly admired his own coolness now, in the presence of his enemy's confusion.
"As your mind is at rest on that point," he continued, sarcastically, "I don't suppose you care to know what became of ME when I left North Liberty.

But as it happens to have something to do with my being here to-night, and is a part of my business with you, you'll have to listen to it.