“Very pretty, Richard, but a little tardy, methinks.” He paused, and something seemed to occur to him. “ ’Tis why you purpose to let Lavinia go, 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 your heroic 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 other which of you cheated? Play the man for once and stop her!”