"Nelly set the story afloat.

Her tongue is self acting.
But she had no reason to do so save in her imagination and her love of talking.

Half the troubles in life are caused by your automatic talkers." I then told him of my cousin's visit with Nelly to the Old Swan, laying emphasis on Frances's refusal to recognize Hamilton, but saying nothing of the fight that followed.
"I am glad to learn the truth, if it is the truth," lisped his Lordship, musingly.
"If you would know the real danger to Frances, you must look higher," I said, cautiously refraining from being too explicit.

"There is one whom my cousin scorns, but from whom she is in hourly peril.

There is no length to which he would not go, no crime, however dastardly, he would not commit to gain his end.