As you say, he would have gone first to Denzil.

Perhaps he can be moved to have pity on me." "Perhaps--but I have more faith in an appeal to his interests." "It would be dreadful if Denzil had to live henceforth at his mercy." "It would.

But it's a matter of--of life and death." Mrs.Wade's voice sank on those words, shaking just a little.

She put her face nearer to Lilian's, but without looking at her.
"Suppose no argument will prevail with him, dear ?" she continued in that low, tremulous tone.

"Suppose he persists in claiming you ?" The voice had a strange effect upon Lilian's nerves.