Page 642 - for-the-term-of-his-natural-life

clever as you.’
Smothering a curse, he sat down beside her. ‘Listen, Sar-
ah. What is the use of fighting like a couple of children. I
am rich—‘
‘So am I.’ ‘Well, so much the better. We will join our
riches together. I admit that I was a fool and a cur to leave
you; but I played for a great stake. The name of Richard
Devine was worth nearly half a million in money. It is mine.
I won it. Share it with me! Sarah, you and I defied the world
years ago. Don’t let us quarrel now. I was ungrateful. Forget
it. We know by this time that we are not either of us angels.
We started in life together—do you remember, Sally, when
I met you first?—determined to make money. We have suc-
ceeded. Why then set to work to destroy each other? You
are handsomer than ever, I have not lost my wits. Is there
any need for you to tell the world that I am a runaway con-
vict, and that you are—well, no, of course there is no need.
Kiss and be friends, Sarah. I would have escaped you if I
could, I admit. You have found me out. I accept the posi-
tion. You claim me as your husband. You say you are Mrs.
Richard Devine. Very well, I admit it. You have all your life
wanted to be a great lady. Now is your chance!’ Much as
she had cause to hate him, well as she knew his treacherous
and ungrateful character, little as she had reason to trust
him, her strange and distempered affection for the scoun-
drel came upon her again with gathering strength. As she
sat beside him, listening to the familiar tones of the voice
she had learned to love, greedily drinking in the promise
of a future fidelity which she was well aware was made but

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