“May I ask what you intend to do if threats are of no avail?”
“Carry out the threats and blacken his character in every way, for that will naturally discount the value of what he says. The public are not yet convinced that the man is honest in what he is doing.” The Baron paused for a moment, and then continued reflectively, “I wonder if it would be possible to accuse him of blackmail. It might be believed that he was taking this line to force money out of us.”
“But Gaunt is a millionaire, and such a charge would rebound upon yourself.”
“I see what you mean, and it is a card that I must keep in reserve for it is a risky one to play. By the bye, have you any idea of the relations which exist between Gaunt and his wife? What does gossip say?” the Baron asked casually.
“That she married him for his money. As to Gaunt, I have heard that he acted like a madman when it was thought that his wife would die. I can’t tell you more than that.”
“Lady Mildred gave me the impression of being a very proud woman. I wonder if she has much influence with her husband?”
“It is hard to say,” Sherren said doubtfully.
“But I should imagine that she would loathe the idea of any scandal. And he is in love with her, you say? Well, I cannot decry his taste, for she is very beautiful, but cold—cold. Ah, these English women, I can’t understand them. To be loved by them is bliss, but to love—that is another matter.”
And the Baron was supposed to have a very complete knowledge of the feminine sex, if rumor spoke truly. He sighed wearily as he lighted another cigarette.
“Start work on the lines I have suggested, and come to see me to-morrow night. Until then you are to do nothing definite. Good-night.”