r the
informality of his surroundings and the state of his dress; but again he
faltered before the haggard glare in Derek's eyes.

"I want to talk to you," Pruyn said, abruptly. Bienville made a gesture
of mingled politeness and astonishment.

"Certainly; but shall we not sit down while we do it? Will you smoke?
Here are cigarettes, but you probably prefer a cigar."

Educated in England, like many young Frenchmen of the upper classes,
Bienville spoke English fluently and with little accent.

"I want to talk to you," Derek said again. He took no notice of the
proffered seat, and they remained standing, as they were, with the round
table, bestrewn with letters, between them. "You remember," Derek
continued, speaking with difficulty--"you remember the story you told me
on the voyage--about a woman?"

Bienville nodded. He had a sudden presentiment of what was coming.

"I must tell you that on the night before I sailed for South America,
three months ago, I asked that woman to be my wife."

"In that case," Bienville said, promptly, and with a tranquillity he did
not feel, "I withdraw my statements."

"Withdrawal isn't enough. You must tell me they were not true."

Bienville remained silent for a minute. He was beginning to realize the
firmness of the ground he stood on. His instinct for self-preservation
was strong, and he had confidence in his dexterous use of the necessary
weapons.

"You must give me time to reflect on that," he said, after a pause.

"Why do you need time? If the thing isn't true, you've only got to say
so."

"It's not quite so easy as that. You can't cut every difficulty with a
sword, as they did the Gordian knot. One may go far in defence of a
woman's honor, but there are boundaries which even a gallant man cannot
pass; and, before I speak, I must see where they lie."

"I want the truth. I want no defence of a woman's honor--"

"Ah, but I do. That's the difference."

"Damn your difference! You didn't think much of a woman's honor when you
began your infernal tales."

"Did you, when you let me go on?"

"No. That's where I share your crime. That's all that keeps me from
striking you now."

"I let that pass. I know how you feel. I know just how hard it is for
you. I've been in something like your situation myself. No man can have
much to do with a woman without being put there in one way if not
another. It's because I do understand you that I share your pain--and
support your insults.