In a moment, without any warning, she was standing up beside him stiff and straight.
'I see. Now I understand. That's the idea. I've no doubt that Miss Bewicke will find you a most persuasive person.'
'My dear Letty!'
'Weren't you and Miss Bewicke once engaged to be married? Pray don't trouble yourself to explain. I know all about it. You need have no fear of losing your uncle's inheritance. You are quite sure to understand each other. She'll be delighted to give you the ring in exchange for another. Would you like to give her mine?'
She actually began to unbutton her glove. He groaned.
'It's worth while seeing ghosts in Africa for this!'
'And what do you propose to say to Miss Bewicke when you call upon her?'
'That's what I want you to tell me.'
'I tell you! As if you didn't know! After the stories I have heard of her I had hoped that you would have had no more to do with Miss Bewicke. But, of course, my wishes do not count.'
'If the stories you have heard are to Miss Bewicke's discredit, you may take my word for it that they are libels.'