"Strength of purpose has nothing to do with the point in question," he said, harshly. "For the first time in my life, I have wilfully tarnished my professional honour, and that is what annoys me so greatly."
"A few weeks more, and the necessity for concealment will be at an end. Captain Dayrell will propose to Miss Lloyd--will win her consent to become his wife. After that you can strike your blow as soon as you like."
Kelvin did not answer, but sat staring moodily into the fire. Olive regarded him furtively for a little while, without speaking.
"I certainly thought that I should have seen you at Stammars on the evening of the ball," she said, after a time.
"I had an invitation, but I did not choose to go. Too much of a tag-rag-and-bob-tail affair for me."
"Your absence was commented upon both by Sir Thomas and Lady Dudgeon at breakfast next morning."
"What does that matter to me?"
"Shall I tell you something else?"
"Just as you please."
"After Sir Thomas and Lady Dudgeon had left the room, I rose from the table and went and sat down for a few minutes in one of the deep window recesses. Miss Lloyd and Captain Dayrell rose too, and went towards the fire-place. I suppose from what followed that Miss Lloyd had forgotten that I was in the room. Said the Captain to her: 'Who is this Mr. Kelvin, whose absence from the ball Sir Thomas seemed to regret so much?'--'Oh, a mere nobody--a provincial attorney,' answered Miss Lloyd."