Frank took up the candle and turned to go.
“Don't go,” Willy murmured faintly.
“I am very sorry, Mr. Escott—if circumstances permitted, I would do all I could to help you.”
This was delicate ground, and Willy woke up.
“What do you want me to do? Have you anything to suggest?”
“Yes, it struck me that we might both go round to the fellow's hotel—Stracey, you call him, I think—and you might tell him that his visits must cease at the Manor House, and that he must not speak to your sister if he should happen to meet her. That should bring the matter to an end. He is in Brighton—he is staying at the 'Grand.' We might go round there to-morrow morning.”
“He might kick us out.”
“I only hope he may try. I would give him such a hammering. But you need not be afraid of that. It wouldn't do to have Maggie's name mentioned in connection with a vulgar brawl—people are not too charitable. My idea is that this business should be conducted in the quietest and most gentlemanly manner possible.”
“I think I had better speak to father first.”
“No necessity; he will be only too glad to get rid of the penniless brute. Don't you think so, Mrs. Brookes?”