"I won't drag her name into the paper again," exclaimed Chairo. "If I write anything it must be so contrived as not to introduce her name. I have a right to insist that my private affairs be no more discussed in the paper."
"You have the undoubted right under our law to demand this, but don't be impatient if I answer you that this matter is not a purely private one; it is a matter of grave public interest."
Chairo flashed a look at Ariston that we both understood; it meant a sudden revival of his aversion for the cult, which made of this private matter one with which the public had a right to meddle; but the look died away, and Chairo's face resumed the settled expression of discouragement which had marked it since the sessions of the investigating committee began.
"Let me see," said Ariston, "if I cannot draw up a letter which the paper will have to publish," and he scribbled on the newspaper band that Chairo had torn off and thrown aside. Very soon he produced the following:
"SIR: I avail myself of my right under the law to insist on your publishing this letter in the same place and in the same type as the paragraph to which it refers.
"The statement that I have in spirit or in letter violated the compact under which I was released is not true. I was at Masters's rooms at the hour indicated, but I met no one there.
"Should you add anything to the libel already published, by way of comment, head line, or otherwise of a nature to cast a doubt upon the contradiction herein contained, I shall at once have you prosecuted with the utmost rigor of the law.
"I beg also to inform you that I shall regard any further reference to this incident as an improper meddling with my private affairs, and shall proceed accordingly."
Chairo glanced at the proposed letter, and said:
"It is quite satisfactory except as to one statement in it. I did not meet Lydia at Masters', but I did meet another woman there."
Ariston and I looked at one another in surprise.
"Not at all," said Chairo, "but a secret."
"I need not hesitate to tell you as my counsel, in confidence," continued Chairo. "But I think it must go no further."
But Chairo rose, suggesting that it would be more prudent to discuss the matter in our rooms, and we followed him there.