That is a difficult point,
however. Somebody, it seems, has compounded--or is going to compound--a
felony. I do not understand exactly what this means, or what dreadful
consequences might follow; but I am assured by the lawyers that we need
apprehend nothing more. All is over."
Iris heaved a profound sigh.
"Then he is safe?" she said.
"You think of him first," said Hugh, jealously. "Yes: he is safe; and,
I do hope, gone away, out of the country, never to come back any more.
The more important thing is that you should be safe from him. As for
the doctor--but I cannot speak of the doctor with common patience. Let
him be left to the end which always awaits such men. It is to be hoped
that he will never, wherever he goes, feel himself in safety."
"I am safe," said Iris, "not only from my husband, but from what else
beside? You know what I mean. You mean that I, as well as my husband,
am safe from that. Oh! the fear of it has never left me--never for one
moment. You tell me that I am safe from public disgrace, and I
rejoice--when I ought to sink into the earth with shame!" She covered
her face with her hands.
"Iris, we know what you have done. We also know why you did it.
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