"Dear me!"
"Of course I shall not leave him!"
"Why then, I am satisfied," he answered, and rose to his feet. "I shall look to see Captain Lovelace more out of your company." He picked up his hat and cane and stood directly in front of her. One dead white hand, on which blazed a great ruby seal ring, took her little pointed chin in a firm clasp and tilted her head up until she was forced to meet his eyes. They held hers inexorably, scorchingly.
"You understand me?" he asked harshly.
Lavinia's eyes filled with tears and her soft underlip trembled.
"Yes," she fluttered, and gave a tiny sob. "Oh, yes, Tracy!"
The eyes lost something of their menacing gleam, and he smiled, for once without a sneer, and releasing her chin, patted her cheek indulgently.
"Bear in mind, child, that I am fifteen years your senior, and I have more worldly wisdom in my little finger than you have in the whole of your composition. I do not wish to witness your ruin."
The tears brimmed over, and she caught his handkerchief from him, dabbing at her eyes with one heavily-laced corner.
"You do love me, Tracy?"