"Of course I do," answered Dyce, meditatively. "Yes, it's fine. It increases my respect for our friend."
"I have always respected her," said Constance, "and I am sorry now that I did not respect her more. Often she has irritated me, and in bad temper I have spoken thoughtlessly. I remember that letter I wrote you, before you first came to Rivenoak; it was silly, and, I'm afraid, rather vulgar."
"Nothing of the kind," interposed Lashmar. "It was very clever. You couldn't be vulgar if you tried."
"Have you the letter still?"
"Of course I have."
"Then do me the kindness to destroy it—will you?"
"If you wish."
"I do, seriously. Burn the thing, as soon as you get home."
"Very well."
They avoided each other's look, and there was a rather long pause.