Lady Perivale made a hurried note of Messrs. Rosset's address.
"An action for libel, if any one libelled me—what would that mean?"
"It would mean a thorough sifting of your case before a jury, by two of the cleverest counsel we could get. It would mean bringing your double into the witness-box, if possible, and making her declare herself Colonel Rannock's companion in those places where you are said to have been seen with him."
"Yes, yes; that would be conclusive. And all those cold-hearted creatures, whom I once called friends, would be sorry—sorry and ashamed of themselves. But if there is no libel—if people go on talking and talking, and nobody ever publishes the slander——"
"Make your mind easy, Lady Perivale. When we are ready for it there will be a libel."
"I don't understand."
"You may safely leave the matter in my hands, madam, and in Mr. Harding's. If I succeed in finding the lady who resembles you, the rest will not be difficult."
"And you think you will find her?"
"I mean to try. I shall start for Algiers to-morrow morning."
"May I give you a cheque for travelling expenses?" Lady Perivale asked, eagerly.