She would have hated to be the center of a scandal, from the point of view that it would irreparably close doors to her; and her resentment of barriers and barrier-makers was always present.
This he would remember as his strong card--the last to be played .-- If she continued being capricious until the moment of her _fiance's_ expected return, he would use all his cunning--and it was no inconsiderable quantity--and compromise her irrevocably, and so get her to surrender upon his terms.

For he had made up his mind, as he sped to Florence, that Cecilia Cricklander should return to England as his wife.
They had four days of the usual gay parties for every meal--there happened to be a number of people passing through and staying at Venice--and the early September weather was glorious and very hot.
Mrs.Cricklander delighted in a gondola.

There was something about it which set off her stately beauty, she felt, and she reveled in the admiration she provoked; and so did Mr.Hanbury-Green--he prized that which the crowd applauded.

But time was passing, and nothing the least definite was settled yet, although he knew he had obtained a certain mastery over her.
On the Friday evening a telegram was received from John Derringham saying he would return on the Saturday night, and Mr.Hanbury-Green felt this was the moment to act.

He had no intention of having any quarrel with his rival, or of putting himself in the position of being called upon to give an account of himself.