"And to-morrow will be too late," she added, rapidly pursuing his train of thought. "Then I will try the Duchess!"
He started very slightly, but she saw it.
"Sit down for a moment, Mrs. Mannering," he said.
She accepted the chair he placed for her. There was a distinct change in his manner. He realized that this woman held a trump card against him. Even in her hands it might mean disaster.
"Blanche—" he began.
"Thank you," she interrupted, "I prefer 'Mrs. Mannering.'"
He bit his lips in annoyance.
"Mrs. Mannering, then," he continued, "we have been allies before, and I think that you will admit that I have always kept faith with you. I don't see any reason why we should play at being enemies. You have a price, I suppose, for that telegram and your silence. Name it."
She nodded.
"Yes, I have a price," she admitted.