"I have had clients, Mr. Lamb, who would have conveyed that pin without paying for it--it presents such temptations to an honest man. I do hope it's properly secured. Good-morning!"
When Mr. Luker had retired Mr. Lamb turned to his wife, with knitted brows.
"Isabel, it's beyond my comprehension why you have anything to do with that animal. He's got scoundrel written large all over him."
"I shouldn't have thought that would have prejudiced him in your eyes."
"I suppose you think that's smart. I know there was a time when we both of us had to sail pretty close to the wind, but I thought that time had gone for ever. You've told me so over and over again. You're a woman of large fortune, of assured position, a person of importance. I should have thought that from the point of view of policy alone it would have been worth your while to have dealings with solicitors of standing only, and to have nothing to do with such a brute as that. Aren't you ashamed to have him seen going in and out of the house, or to have the servants know that he is here?"
"I'm not easily ashamed--you ought to know that. Is that all you've come for?--to tell me what you think about what is no concern of yours?"
"What's this I hear about your bringing out a play, and acting in it yourself?"
"Who told you that?"
"Winton--to my amazement!"
"What did he tell you?"