"Mr. Cradell, if I know him," said the lady, "is too much the gentleman to bear any anger when a gentleman has offered him his hand."
"Oh, I'm sure," said Cradell, "I'm quite—indeed, I'm delighted to find there's nothing wrong after all." And then he shook hands with both of them; whereupon Miss Spruce got up, curtseyed low, and also shook hands with the husband and wife.
"You're not a married man, Mr. Cradell," said Lupex, "and, therefore, you cannot understand the workings of a husband's heart. There have been moments when my regard for that woman has been too much for me."
"Now, Lupex, don't," said she, playfully tapping him with an old parasol which she still held.
"And I do not hesitate to say that my regard for her was too much for me on that night when I sent for you to the dining-room."
"I'm glad it's all put right now," said Cradell.
"Very glad, indeed," said Miss Spruce.
"And, therefore, we need not say any more about it," said Mrs. Lupex.
"One word," said Lupex, waving his hand. "Mr. Cradell, I greatly rejoice that you did not obey my summons on that night. Had you done so,—I confess it now,—had you done so, blood would have been the consequence. I was mistaken. I acknowledge my mistake;—but blood would have been the consequence."
"Dear, dear, dear," said Miss Spruce.