She shook her head, puzzled.
"Ah! that's a pity, for I am going to borrow a hint if you are difficile. If you refuse to confess I mean to keep you locked up here till the morning."
"And then?"
"Then I shall ring for my shaving-water. And where's your character?"
She bit her lips. "I mistook you for a gentleman."
"Ah! that was the fault of the top hat. I'm really a detective and can't afford the luxury of sentiment."
Mizzi nibbled a finger-nail, and watched him with sparkling eyes. It was clear that she was not at ease, that she had not expected to find him so ready with a plan, so determined in dishonor. Being a woman, it is probable that she did not altogether blame him. Lionel smiled, reading her, as he thought, like a book.
"Well, what is it to be?"
She made a disconsolate gesture.
"You are too strong," she said, and smiled in pitiful appeal. "Ah, monsieur! once you would not have——"