"Merely to use your influence with Lady Ogram when she is vexed by learning that May Tomalin is not to marry Dymchurch. What could be simpler and more straightforward? Scheme there is none. I have done with that kind of thing. I wish to marry this girl, for her own sake, but if I can keep Lady Ogram's good-will at the same time, I suppose there's nothing very base in wishing to do so?"
"You speak of 'vexation.' Do you really imagine that that word will describe Lady Ogram's state of mind if she learns that Lord Dymchurch is rejected?"
"Of course there will be a scene. We can't help that. We must face it, and hope in Lady Ogram's commonsense."
"Answer another question. How do you know that May Tomalin will refuse Lord Dymchurch?"
"I had better refuse to answer. You talk much of honour. If you know what it means, you will accept my refusal as the only thing possible under the circumstances."
Constance stood in hesitation. It seemed as if she might concede this point, but at the critical moment jealous wrath again seized her, extinguishing the better motive.
"You will answer my question. You will tell me what has passed."
She glared at him, and it was Lashmar's turn to betray indecision.
"You are at my mercy," Constance exclaimed, "and you will do as I bid you."
Lashmar yielded to exasperation.