And he was going to do it in a manner that Plank could not have foreseen; he was going to stop Plank where he stood, and to do this he was deliberately using his knowledge of the man and paying Plank the compliment of counting on his sense of honour to defeat him.
For he had suddenly found the opportunity to defend himself; he had discovered the joint in Plank's old-fashioned armour--the armour of the old paladins--who placed a woman's honour before all else in the world.
Now, through his creature, Mortimer, he could menace Plank with a threat to involve him and Leila in a vile publicity; now he was in a position to demand a hearing and a compromise through his new ambassador, Mortimer, knowing that he could at last halt Plank by threatening Leila with this shameful danger.

Plank must sign the truce or face with Leila an action for damages and divorce.
First of all he went to the Lenox Club and dressed.

Then he dined sparingly and alone.

The Mercedes was waiting when he came out ready to run down to the great Hotel Corona, whither the Japanese steward had conducted Mortimer.

Mortimer had dined heavily, but his disorganised physical condition was such that it had scarcely affected him at all.
Again Quarrier went over patiently and carefully the very simple part he had reserved for Mortimer that evening, explaining exactly what to say to Leila and what to say to Plank in case of insolent interruption.