My dear Charlie, it's a very old dodge to confess what doesn't matter in order to conceal what does.
Mereston.
What do you mean, mother?
Lady Mereston.
Lady Frederick has told you nothing of the Bellingham affair?
Mereston.
Why should she?
Lady Mereston.
It is surely expedient you should know that the woman you have some idea of marrying escaped the divorce court only by the skin of her teeth.
Mereston.