“At least not quite yet!”
“But you must be mad,” exclaimed Bellward, toying impatiently with his weapon, “you let him escape through your fingers before! I know his type. A man like him is only safe when he’s dead. And if you won’t...”
“Now, Bellward,” said Strangwise not budging but looking the other calmly in the eye, “you’re getting excited, you know.”
But Bellward muttered thickly:
“Kill him! That’s all I ask. And let’s get out of here! I tell you it isn’t safe! Minna can shift for herself!” he added sulkily.
“As she has always done!” said a voice at the door. Mrs. Malplaquet stood there, a very distinguished looking figure in black with a handsome set of furs.
“But who’s this?” she asked, catching sight of Desmond, as she flashed her beady black eyes round the group. Of Barbara she took not the slightest notice. Desmond remarked it and her indifference shocked him profoundly.
“Of course, you don’t recognize him!” said Strangwise. “This is Major Desmond Okewood, more recently known as Mr. Basil Bellward!”
The woman evinced no surprise.
“So!” she said, “I thought we’d end by getting him. Well, Strangwise, what are we waiting for? Is our friend to live for ever?”