"Well, if you like to put it so, yes. I suppose I can count upon you?"
"I am sorry not to be able to oblige you, but I am afraid I must say no."
"You are growing squeamish, Cyprienne, in your old age. To think of your having scruples!"
"I despise your sneers. It does not suit me to do what you wish, that's all; it would be unsafe."
"What have you to lose?"
"All this." She waved her hand round the prettily-furnished room. "Lord Essendine has been very kind to me, and if there were any suspicions—if any rumour got about that I was employed by or for you—he would certainly withdraw the income he gives me."
Mr. Hobson laughed quietly.
"You have given yourself away, as they say in America; you have put yourself in my hands, Cyprienne. I insist now upon your doing what I wish."
"You shall not browbeat me!" She rose from her seat, with indignation in her face. "Leave me, or I will call the servants."
"I shall go straight to Lord Essendine, then, and tell him all I know. How would you like that? How about your allowance, and the protection of that great family? Don't you know, foolish woman, that you are absolutely and completely in my power?"