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His Grace sneered openly.
"Very pretty, Richard, but a little tardy, methinks." He paused, andsomething seemed to occur to him. "'Tis why you purpose to let Laviniago, I suppose? You confess the truth on Friday--eh?"
Richard bowed his head.
"I have not the right to stop her. She--chooses her own road."
"She knows?" sharply.
"She has always known."
"The jade! And I never guessed it!" He paused. "Yes, I understand yourheroic attitude. I am sorry I cannot pander to it. In spite of all this,I cannot permit my sister to ruin herself."
"She were as effectually ruined an she stayed with me."
"Pshaw! After seven years, who is like to care one way or the otherwhich of you cheated? Play the man for once and stop her!"
"She _loves_ Lovelace, I tell you!"
"What of it? She will recover from that."
"No--I cannot ask her to stay with me--'twould be damnably selfish."
His Grace appeared exasperated.
"'Fore Gad, you are a fool! Ask her! _Ask_ her! Force her! Kick Lovelacefrom your house and abandon the heroic pose, I beg of you!"
"Do you suppose I want to lose her?" cried Carstares. "'Tis because Ilove her so much that I will not stand in the way of her happiness!"
The Duke flung round and picked up his hat.
"I am sorry I cannot join with you in your heroics. I must take thematter into my own hands, as usual, it seems. Lord, but you should havelearnt to make her obey you, my good Dick! She has led you by the noseever since she married you, and she was a woman who wanted mastering!"He went over to the door and opened it. "I will call upon you to-morrow,when I shall hope to find you more sane. They do not purpose to leaveuntil late, I know, for Lovelace is promised to Mallaby at threeo'clock. There is time in which to act."
"I shall not interfere," repeated Richard.
His Grace sneered.
"So you have remarked. It remains for me to do. Good-night."
CHAPTER XXIV
RICHARD PLAYS THE MAN
Lady Lavinia's frame of mind when she awoke next morning was hardlybefitting one who contemplated an elopement. A weight seemed to rest onher chest, hopeless misery was gathered about her head. She could notbring herself to drink her chocolate, and, feeling that inaction was theworst of all, she very soon crawled out of bed and allowed her maid todress her. Then she went with dragging steps to her boudoir, wonderingall the time where Richard was and what he was doing. She seated herselfat her window and looked out on to the square, biting the edge of herhandkerchief in the effort to keep back her tears.
Richard was in a no more cheerful mood. He, too, left his chocolateuntouched, and went presently down to the breakfast table and looked atthe red sirloin with a feeling of acute nausea. He managed to drink acup of coffee, and immediately afterwards left the room and made his wayto his wife's boudoir. He told himself he was acting weakly, and had farbetter avoid her, but in the end he gave way to his longing to see her,and knocked on one white panel.
Lavinia's heart leapt. How well she knew that knock!
"Come in!" she called, and tried to compose her features.
Richard entered and shut the door behind him.
"Oh--oh--good-morning!" she smiled. "You--wanted to speak withme--Dick?"
"I--yes--that is--er--have you the Carlyles' invitation?"
It was, perhaps, an unlucky excuse. Lavinia turned away and foughtagainst her tears.
