CHAPTER XV
A COWARD’S VICTORY
“
It is a queer story,” said Bower.
“Because it is true,” retorted Millicent.
“Yet she never set eyes on the man until she met him here.”
“That is rather impossible, isn’t it?”
“It is a fact, nevertheless. On the day I arrived in Maloja, a letter came from the editor of ‘The Firefly,’ telling her that he had written to Spencer, whom he knew, and suggested that they should become acquainted.”
“These things are easily managed,” said Millicent airily.
“I accept Miss Wynton’s version.” Bower spoke with brutal frankness. The morning’s tribulation had worn away some of the veneer. He fully expected the girl to flare into ill suppressed rage. Then he could deal with her as he liked. He had not earned his repute in the city of London without revealing at times the innate savagery of his nature. As soon as he had taunted his adversaries into a passion, he found the weak joints in their armor. He was surprised now that Millicent should laugh. If she was acting, she was acting well.