‘You read the parliamentary reports, so you will know as I do that there has lately been a change regarding the divorce of husband and wife. It is now possible to petition the court in London directly and I intend to do so without further delay.’

‘But I have not been untrue to you, William,’ said Alice quietly. ‘You know this full well.’

At this she thought she detected the barest trace of a flush come over her husband’s features.

‘It is my contention that you have … you have … formed an association with a certain gentleman which transcends the ordinary bond of social friendship.’

‘It is true that I like the doctor greatly. He has a lively and enquiring mind and I have a strong respect for him professionally. But that is all. In any case I have not seen him for some months.’

‘I would not expect you to say anything else,’ said William.

‘No indeed, for you know that whatever my failings I do not number the telling of falsehoods among them!’

To this he made no answer.

‘Your sister warned me of this. She said your head had been filled with this nonsense by the widow of your friend Lockwood.’

‘Sarah Lockwood cannot be held responsible for your own behaviour.’

‘Sarah! You are on first name terms then?’

‘We are friends, certainly.’

‘Perhaps I had better petition myself, in that case.’

‘If you were to instigate divorce proceedings you would be obliged to prove that I had mistreated you in some way, that I had been cruel. Since you have already stained my reputation locally by consorting with this doctor, I cannot think that you would wish to bring further calumny on my family name by such a rash and mendacious course.’

‘And yet you have no compunction in saying lies of me! Not only saying, but swearing before the justices, I do believe.’

The room seemed uncomfortably warm now. Alice went on.

‘Anyway I know of no such besmirchment of you in these parts. You are well liked and respected by all. As, I hope, am I. What foundation do you have for this charge that I have compromised your reputation?’

At this William sighed heavily. Alice remarked something false in this exhalation, an almost theatrical quality, as if it were for the benefit of some other observer than herself.

‘Alice, I will not be swayed. I do not intend to furnish you with a list of the rumours which have reached my ears concerning your conduct. We would do well to guard our tongues, before irreparable harm is caused between us. As I told you just now, it is a source of regret to me to cause you chagrin; but my mind is quite decided.’

‘Would that you had been so steadfast in your duty as a husband and father!’

William stood up.