At last he said: “It is impossible for me to agree unless I can settle things personally with Melun. You see, as the thing stands, I have no guarantee at all that you have come from him.”
Patmore swore angrily. “You ought not to have much doubt after this afternoon,” he said coarsely.
With the memory of Lady Kathleen's severed ear fresh upon him, a sudden and passionate desire to kill the man there and then, as he stood lowering at him, arose in Westerham's heart. But he forced his anger down, though his voice trembled with rage as he said: “I think you had better be careful.”
Patmore drew back a step; he saw he had gone too far.
There was a pause, and then Westerham said: “Very well. I suppose I have no option but to agree. Where shall I meet you to-morrow?”
“You are hardly likely to kick up a fuss,” Patmore answered, eyeing him shrewdly, “so let's say the same place at noon. Mind you, you had better understand clearly that if you try to play me false it will be all the worse for you and Lord Penshurst and Lady Kathleen. We have made up our minds.
“If you give me in charge, you cannot make me open my mouth, and what is more you will finish the whole business. If you play me false you will never see Lady Kathleen again, and your secret goes to Germany.”
Westerham made a sudden movement forward and looked into Patmore's face. “What is the secret?” he cried eagerly.
For a moment Patmore looked scared, and then he wagged his head wisely, and Westerham's heart gave a great throb of relief, for he felt certain that the man did not know. Melun had kept the secret to himself.
Westerham drew away again and made to pass down the steps. “Very well,” he said, “I will be here at noon.”