"There will be no need for me to do that," said Derrington, and took up the weapon. Mrs. Ward stretched out her hand.
"My property, if you please, Lord Derrington."
The old gentleman opened a drawer, dropped the weapon into it, and closed the drawer with a snap. "It's locked now," he said coolly. "I shall take charge of this."
"How dare you? I insist----"
"Oh, dear, no! You insist on nothing." Lord Derrington rose, looking like a giant as he towered over the little woman. "My dear Mrs. Ward," said he, quietly, but in his deepest tones, "I have been very patient with you, but this thing must end. You must promise to hold your tongue about Brendon and----"
"And about you, I suppose," she sneered.
"About me?" Derrington's tone expressed surprise. "What have you to hold your tongue about as regards me?"
Mrs. Ward stamped, though as a rule she was not given to betraying violent emotion. "Oh, it's too ridiculous!" she said furiously. "I can say to the police how I found the stiletto in your coat, I suppose."
"I should advise you not to talk to any one about a thing which exists only in your imagination."
"The stiletto----"