Myra Selfridge's confession to her husband

Myra Selfridge, agitated, tells her husband George Selfridge about seeing John Rowland on the ship. She describes him as a common sailor, dirty and dissipated, and expresses fear that he might seek revenge, possibly by stealing their child. She recounts their past relationship: Rowland was a rejected admirer who became angry when she ended their courtship, partly because of his atheism and drinking. She mentions his talk of an 'immutable law of chance' and a 'governing balance of events.' George Selfridge dismisses her fears, saying Rowland is harmless now. This conversation establishes the backstory of Rowland's disgrace and the couple's perception of him as a threat.