Does a witness have privilege to refuse to answer questions in a civil case?

Also contrary to a contention of the real party in interest, his refusal to answer the questions propounded cannot be sustained on the theory of privilege from self-degradation. Code of Civil Procedure sec. 2065 provides: 'A witness must answer questions legal and pertinent to the matter in issue, * * * but he need not * * * give an answer which will have a direct tendency to degrade his character, unless it be to the very fact in issue, or to a fact from which the fact in issue would be presumed.' Whether the defendant's conduct amounted to cruelty is a fact in issue, and evidence of his adulterous conduct would go directly to proof of such fact (Clark v. Reese, 35 Cal. 89).