She sat down.
He did not proceed at once. He seemed under some embarrassment. Even he—the brute—was embarrassed!
And no wonder, with the vile intent in his thoughts—upon the tip of his tongue; for he intended counselling her to shame!
Not to the ultimate infamy, but to the seeming of it.
Only the seeming; and with the self-excuse of this limitation, he took courage, and spoke.
He spoke thus:
“Look here, Fan. The gentleman I’m expecting, is the same that has put us into this little snuggery. It’s Lord —. I’ve told you what sort of a man he is, and what power he’s got. He can do wonders for me, and will, if I can manage him. But he’s fickle and full of conceit, as all of his kind. He requires skilful management; and you must assist me.”
“I assist you! In what way?”
“I only want you to be civil to him. You understand me?”
Fan made no reply; but her glance of assumed incredulity told of a perfect comprehension!