A Woman's Burden by Fergus Hume

Miriam's accusation came on Barton like a bolt from the blue. For a moment he seemed utterly incapable of speech -- while of emotion he showed not a trace. Casting a terrible look on the woman who at once defied and threatened him, he rapidly counted his chances against her. A very brief survey of the existing circumstances sufficed to assure him that the power to coerce her was his. Then an ironical smile broke over his withered face. He glanced at door and windows to assure himself that they were closed. The subject under discussion was too dangerous a one for him to run any risks in that direction. When he spoke it was with all calmness and some irrelevance.

"Won't you sit down, my dear? " he said. "We can talk as easily sitting as standing -- more easily perhaps."