t whatever in knowing what relations existed between us."

"Not even if, as the newspapers claim, she had a child?"

"Not even in that case."

"Well, is there a child?"

"I have told you that it does not concern you."

"Do you deny it?"

"I neither deny it, nor affirm it. You have read the evidence, and may
believe it or not as you please."

"Oh! I hate you! I hate you!" She was again enraged. "I wonder why I
am such a fool as to marry you?"

"Ah! This time you show curiosity upon a subject which does concern
you. Therefore I will enlighten you. You intend to marry me, first,
because, in spite of the assertion just made, you love me. That is to
say, you love me as much as you can love any one other than yourself.
Second, you are ambitious to be the wife of a celebrated man. You have
been keen enough to recognize that I have genius, and that I will be a
great man. Do you follow me?"

"You are the most supreme egotist that I have ever met." The words,
meant as a sort of reproach, yet were spoken in tones which betokened
admiration.

"Thank you. I see you appreciate me for what I am. All egotists are
but men who have more than the average ego, more than ordinary
individuality. The supreme egotist, therefore, has most of all. Now,
to continue the reasons for our marriage, perhaps you would like to
know why I intend to marry you?"

"If your august majesty would condescend so far." The Doctor took no
notice of the sneer, but said simply:

"I too have my ambitions, but I need money with which to achieve
success. You have money!"

"You dare to tell me that! You are going to marry me for my money!
Never, you demon! Never!"

"I thought you had concluded to be sensible and leave off theatricals.
You look very charming when you are angry, but it prolongs this
conversation to dangerous lengths. We may be interrupted at any moment
by the police."

"By the police! In heaven's name how?" In a moment she showed a
transition from that emotion which spurned him, to that love for him
which trembled for his safety. Thus wisely could this crafty physician
play upon the feelings of those whom he wished to influence.

"It is very simple. As much as you love me, you love your own comfort
more. I asked you to come up here quietly. You came in your carriage,
with driver and footman in full livery. Is that your idea of a quiet
trip?"

"But I thought----"

"No! You did not think." The Doctor spoke sternly, and the woman was