is a dull-witted fellow, and even before he had threatened to test your
claims to be Henley's wife."

"You told him, then?"

"Everything, except the original cause of our being here. I determined
this morning to fight in the open, under my own name. That is the
right way, is it not?"

"Yes, I think so," and she lifted her eyes to mine.

"I like you better for that."

"I think I like myself better also," I said with a laugh. "I confess I
did n't care much at first. The whole affair merely represented a
lark, an adventure with me. But after what you said the night of our
arrival I began to view the thing in a new light, and to despise my
part in It. Yet even then I felt bound to carry out my agreement. It
was only when you told me your identity, that I felt free to decide
otherwise."

"Why should that make such a difference? If I had not been the one,
then it would have been some other woman defrauded."

"True, but a mere unknown, a shadow. Besides, I had no reason
previously to know that a fraud was contemplated--those rascals told a
most plausible story, leaving me to believe I served the real heirs.
Now I comprehend their true purpose and--and, well, knowing you it has
become personal."