It must be observed, however, that he had not done so save under the conviction that betrayed it was bound to be, and that since that was inevitable the thing had better come from him--for Wilding's sake--than from Richard Westmacott.
He had taken the bull by the horns in a most desperate fashion when he had determined to hoist Richard and Blake with their own petard, hoping that, after all, the harm would reach no further than the destruction of these two--a purely defensive measure.

But now this girl threatened to wreck his scheme just as it was being safely steered to harbour.
Suddenly he swung round, interrupting her.
"Lies, lies, lies!" he clamoured, and his interruption coming at such a time served to impress the Duke most unfavourably--as well it might.
"It is our wish to hear this lady out, Mr.Trenchard," the Duke reproved him.
But Mr.Trenchard was undismayed.

Indeed, he had just discovered a hitherto neglected card, which should put an end to this dangerous game.
"I do abhor to hear Your Grace's patience thus abused," he exclaimed with some show of heat.

"This lady makes a mock of you.

If you'll allow me to ask two questions--or perhaps three--I'll promise finally to prick this bubble for you.