"The same thing precisely," retorted Griff; coolly. "People were beginning to think I knew too much about cards, so it was wise in me to have made an end of things as I did. Don't you make any mistake, Mrs. Veilsturm, I am no more blind to my own defects than I am to yours, and you have just as much right to pull me up if you catch me tripping as I have to keep an eye on your conduct. And let me tell you that your calling on Lady Errington is a mistake, as the good she can do to us is nothing to the harm she might do to you."
"Nonsense! I tell you she knows nothing."
"So you said before, and I hope she doesn't, but if she does there will be trouble."
"What can she do?" demanded Mrs. Veilsturm with supreme contempt.
"If she she knows anything, she can tell all her friends about that South American business."
"If she comes to measuring swords with me in that way," said Maraquita with vicious slowness, "I can tell a few stories about her late father which won't be pleasant for her to hear."
"Pish! what good will that do? You can't tell stories about Mostyn without inculpating yourself. It won't harm his memory, which is black enough. It will only harm you, and through you, me. No, no, Mrs. Veilsturm, I've too much at stake to risk the world finding out what we want kept quiet, and if Lady Errington does not return your call, put your cursed pride in your pocket and hold your tongue."
"I've got my wits about me as well as you," said Cleopatra coolly, "so you needn't lecture me as if I were a school-girl. Besides, my position is too strong in Society to be hurt by Lady Errington or any other silly fool of a woman."
"Your position, my dear," remarked Griff with cruel candour, "hangs by a thread, and that thread is Mr. William Dolser, of 'The Pepper Box.' He put in what I wanted, and made people shut their mouths, but if he turned nasty, he could find out quite enough to make them open them again."
"If he tried to, you could promise him a thrashing."