"There's no use beating about the bush in this way," said Meldon. "If you think I'm going to remain passively indifferent while my unfortunate friend allows himself to be entrapped by a woman like Mrs. Lorimer—"
"Good Heavens!" said the judge. "Mrs. Lorimer! What on earth has Mrs. Lorimer—?"
"There's no use your pretending to be ignorant of the facts," said Meldon. "You must know them."
He wrenched his arm from the judge's grip as he spoke, and started at a rapid pace towards the lawn. Sir Gilbert Hawkesby hesitated for a moment with a look of bewilderment on his face. Then he ran after Meldon, and caught him by the arm again.
"Hold on a minute," he said. "Something has just occurred to me. Before you do anything rash let me tell you a little story."
"I can't wait," said Meldon. "Every moment increases the Major's danger. Further endearments—"
"We needn't be afraid of that," said the judge, "while Simpkins is there, and I really do want to tell you my story. It may, I think it will, alter your whole view of the situation."
"I'll give you two minutes," said Meldon, taking out his watch.
"One will do," said the judge, speaking rapidly. "All I have to say is this. I met Mrs. Lorimer on the platform of Euston Station on the evening of her acquittal, and I mistook her for my niece who was travelling in the same train."
Meldon put his watch into his pocket and stared at the judge.