The allusion was to Lady Dykes. Mr. McTavish was shocked.
"Dear me, no; that is Lady Dykes, of Fennington Park, one of our most esteemed clients, who has already been subjected to the most terrible annoyance. The man"--pointing to Mr. Luker--"you will turn out with the woman."
The constable touched Mr. Luker on the arm.
"Now, sir, offer the lady a good example, and show her the way out."
Mr. Luker put his hat on, and, without a word, prepared to act on the officer's advice. Mrs. Lamb caught him by the shoulder.
"You cur! Don't be a fool, Luker, and do as he tells you."
The constable smiled, good-humouredly.
"If you're a wise man, sir, you will do as I tell you, and you'll talk the matter over with the lady afterwards."
Mr. Luker seemed to incline to the opinion that the policeman's was the voice of wisdom. Withdrawing himself from the lady's detaining fingers, still without a word, he left the room. The constable addressed himself to Mrs. Lamb.
"Now, madam, we policemen hate to have to be rude to a lady; might I ask you to oblige me by following your friend's very excellent example? That's the way out."