Mrs. Cloys.
[Coming to him, her manner gradually changing to harshness, almost to violence.] Well, understand me, Mr. Allingham! I’m inclined to—to half-believe in you; you’ve an honest face and air—not that those things count for much; but understand me: if you bring, in any shape or form, further harm to her——!
John.
[Indignantly.] What further harm can I bring to her? You find me here with my wife——!
Mrs. Cloys.
Sir, you had a wife round the corner when you were engaged in destroying my niece’s reputation in Lennox Gardens! [Recovering her composure.] But enough of that. [Calmly, amiably.] We do understand one another, do we not?
John.
[Shortly.] Oh, perfectly.
Mrs. Cloys.
That’s right. [Arranging her bonnet-strings, which have become slightly disordered.] Excuse me for breaking out in this fashion. [She goes to the door, he following her. At the door she turns to him with grave dignity.] I’m afraid I’ve impressed you as being rather a tigress.