Philip obeyed meekly.
"And don't interrupt." Sir Maurice proceeded to relate all that he had heard from Cleone.... "And she was so upset that she went with Brenderby, not caring what happened. That is the whole story," he ended.
"Upset? But—was she upset—because I had offered and been rejected?"
"Presumably. Now she is so hopelessly compromised that she daren't face you."
Philip sank his head into his hands and gave way to a long peal of laughter.
"Sacré nom de Dieu, the tables are turned, indeed. Oh, Clo, Clo, you wicked little hussy! And what was in that locket?"
"That you will have to ask her yourself," answered Sir Maurice.
Philip jumped up.
"And I shall. Mordieu, never did I dream of such a solution to my difficulties!"
"Perhaps she still will not have you, Philip," warned Sir Maurice.