Jasper had stepped close. He was a head taller and several inches
broader of shoulder than his brother-in-law. "As long as you are in my
house, don't insult me. I am, as you say, a Jew, and I am, as you say,
of a commercial family. But I am not, I have never been licentious. Is
it necessary to use such language? You suggested that this interview
be conducted by us like gentlemen."
"The man who refuses to give her liberty to a wife that loathes him,
scarcely comes under the definition."
"My ideas on the matter are different. We need not discuss them. If
you will let me read my wife's letter, I think that we can come to an
end of this."
Woodward unwillingly surrendered the small, gray envelope to a
quivering, outstretched hand. Jasper turned away and stood near the
lamp. But his excitement prevented him from reading. The angular
writing jumped before his eyes. At last, the words straightened
themselves.
I am glad that you have given me this opportunity to escape from a
life that for a long time has been dreadful to me. Ten years ago I
made a disaster of my life and yours. Forgive me if you can and
let me escape. I will not see you again. Whatever you may have to
say, please say it to Woodward. From now on he is my protector. In
other matters there are my lawyers. It is absolutely not to be
thought of that I should speak to you. I hope never to see you
alone. I want you to hate me and this note ought to make it easy
for you.
Betty Jasper stared at the name. He was utterly bewildered, utterly
staggered, by the amazing dissimulation practiced by this small,
soft-lipped, round-eyed girl who had lived with him for so long,
sufficiently pliable, sufficiently agreeable. What was back of it all?
Another man, of course. In imagination he was examining the faces of
his acquaintances, narrowing his lids as though the real men passed in
review before him.
"Perhaps you understand the situation better now?" asked Woodward
cruelly.
Jasper's intense pain and humiliation gave him a sort of calm. He
seemed entirely cool when he moved back toward his brother-in-law; his
eyes were clear, the heat had gone from his temples. He was even
smiling a little, though there was a white, even frame to his lips.
"I shall not write to Betty nor attempt to see her," he said quietly.
"But I shall ask you to take a message to her."