But he realized enough as he toyed, as cat with mouse, with Richard Westmacott, to know that in striking at her through the worthless person of this brother whom she cherished--and who persisted in affording him this opportunity--a wicked vengeance would be his.
Peace-loving Lord Gervase had heaved himself suddenly to his feet at Westmacott's last words, still intent upon saving the situation.
"In Heaven's name..." he began, when Mr.Wilding, ever calm and smiling, though now a trifle sinister, waved him gently into silence.

But that persisting calm of Mr.Wilding's was too much for old Nick Trenchard.

He rose abruptly, drawing all eyes upon himself.

It was time, he thought, he took a hand in this.
In addition to his affection for Wilding and his contempt for Westmacott, he was filled with a fear that the latter might become dangerous if not crushed at once.

Gifted with a shrewd knowledge of men, acquired during a chequered life of much sour experience, old Nick instinctively mistrusted Richard.