Neither of them was seeking trouble.

Between the two he could accomplish his purpose.
What would happen in the meanwhile, when she tried to account for its loss to Rosenthal, never caused him the slightest concern.

She, of course, could concoct some story which they would finally believe.

If not, they could deduct the value of the lace from her earnings.
He had the best of motives for his action.

Their board bill was overdue.
He was harassed by the want of even the small sums of money needed for car-fare, and of late it had become very evident that if they were to keep their present quarters--and he was afraid to try for any others--he must yield at once to the proprietor's pressing suggestion to "patch up his differences with his wife," and have her come home and once more take charge of the suite of rooms; the owner arguing that as Mr.and Mrs.Stanton were known to be "family people," a profitable little game free from police interruption might be carried on, the surplus to be divided between the "house and Mrs.Stanton's husband." That she should decline again to be party to any such plan seemed to him altogether improbable, since all she had to do to insure them both comfort was to return home like a sensible woman, put on the best clothes she possessed--the more attractive the better, and she certainly was fetching in that wrapper--and be reasonably polite to such of his friends as chose to drop in evenings for a quiet game of cards.
Moreover, she owed him something.