Already, the other day, her tone when she accused him of giving her a false idea of Lady Ogram's niece proved the possibility of nonsensical trouble.

The thing was a gross absurdity.

Had he not, from the very beginning of their friendship, been careful to adopt a tone as uncompromising as man could use?
Had he not applied to her his "method" in all its rigour?
What right had she to worry him with idiotic jealousies?
Could anyone have behaved more honourably than he throughout their intercourse?
Why, the average man-- His debt?
What had that to do with the matter?
The very fact of his accepting a loan of money from her emphasised the dry nature of their relations.

That money must quickly be repaid, or he would have no peace.

The woman began to presume upon his indebtedness, he saw that clearly.