Still he would not draw back now.

His heart was set on seeing Beatrice.
"Am I to understand," went on his wife, "that you still object to my staying with the Garsingtons?
I think it is a little hard if I do not make a fuss about your going to see your village paragon, that you should refuse to allow me to visit my own brother." Geoffrey felt that he was being bargained with.

It was degrading, but in the extremity of his folly he yielded.
"Go if you like," he said shortly, "but if you take Effie, mind she is properly looked after, that is all," and he abruptly left the room.
Lady Honoria looked after him, slowly nodding her handsome head.

"Ah," she said to herself, "I have found out how to manage you now.

You have your weak point like other people, Master Geoffrey--and it spells Beatrice.