“This won't do. You mustn't fib to me! It was Poikilus, a Secret Inquiry; and they all know it; now tell me, without a fib—if you can—what ever did you want with Poikilus?”
Severne looked aghast. He faltered out, “Why, how could they know?”
“Why, he advertises, stupid! and Lord Uxmoor and Harrington had seen it. Gentlemen read advertisements. That is one of their peculiarities.”
“Of course he advertises: that is not what I mean. I did not drop his card, did I? No; I am sure I pocketed it directly. What mischief-making villain told them it was Poikilus?”
Fanny colored a little, but said, hastily, “Ah, that I could not tell you.”
“The footman, perhaps?”
“I should not wonder.” (What is a fib?)
“Curse him!”
“Oh, don't swear at the servants; that is bad taste.”
“Not when he has ruined me?”