You see I talk to you
plainly, sir; I know a gentleman when I see him, and you are one. I was
formerly something of the same sort, but having outlawed myself, went
on in the career that brought me to this. I was poor--am poor now. I
originated the idea of this pseudo-marriage, with a view to profit by
it, but with no further--'
"He suddenly paused and looked at the woman. Their glances in that
moment crossed like lightning.
"'Speak out!' she cried, 'say plainly--'
"'Hush! I did not mean to--I am no coward, madam!'
"'Say plainly that it was _I_ who formed the design to get rid of this
person!'
"And she pointed furiously at me.
"'Let no scruples restrain you--take nothing upon yourself--it was I,
I!--I who planned his death!'
"Mortimer remained for an instant silent. Then he resumed, in the same
measured voice as before:--
"'You hear,' he said. 'I tried to shield her, to take the blame--meant
to give you no inkling of this--but she spoils all. To end this. I have
offered you a mortal insult--soiled an ancient and honorable name--the
last representative of the Mohuns has formed through me a degrading
connection. I acknowledge all that. I am going to try to kill you, to
bury every thing in the grave. I would have shrunk from assassinating
you, though I wish your death.
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