"Because!--oh, because----"
"Because you couldn't think of a better lie, I suppose," she finished, contemptuously. "It won't do, my friend, I tell you it won't do. I'm not the kind of woman to be played fast and loose with. You say it is not my daughter that requires a chaperon."
"I do! yes I do!"
"Then you lie. What do you think private detectives are made for? Did you think I came here without having everything necessary to meet an unscrupulous wretch like you!"
"I thought nothing about you. I thought you were dead."
"And wished it, I daresay. But I'm not! I'm alive enough to do you an injury--to have your name struck off the roll of English solicitors."
"You can't!" he retorted defiantly, growing pale again. "I defy you."
"You'd better not, Mr. Damberton! I'm one too many for you. I can tell a little thing about your past career which would considerably spoil the respectable position you now hold."
"No one would believe you against me. A respectable solicitor's word is worth a dozen of a divorced woman."
"If you insult me I'll put a knife in you, you miserable wretch!" said Mrs. Belswin, breathing hard. "I tell you I'm a desperate woman. I know that you have advertised for a chaperon for my daughter, and I--her mother--intend to have the situation under the name of Mrs. Belswin."