"Margaret," she finally said, "this is some scheme of yours.

You are using this engagement to help you to something else." "I refused Grant Arkwright just before you came." "You--refused--Arkwright ?" "My original plan was to trap Grant by making him jealous of Craig.

But I abandoned it." "And why ?" "A remnant of decency." "I doubt it," said the old lady.
"So should I in the circumstances.

We're a pretty queer lot, aren't we?
You, for instance--on the verge of the grave, and breaking your promise to me as if a promise were nothing." Mrs.Bowker's ebon staff twitched convulsively and her terrible eyes were like the vent-holes of internal fires; but she managed her rage with a skill that was high tribute to her will-power.

"You are right in selecting this clown--this tag-rag," said she.