At the same time, not having looked for this cross-questioning, he was all unprepared with any likely answer.

He hesitated, until Ruth echoed Diana's question.
"Tell us, Sir Rowland," she begged him, "what Mr.Wilding said." Being forced to say something, and being by nature slow-witted and sluggish of invention, Sir Rowland was compelled, to his unspeakable chagrin, to fall back upon the truth.
"Is not that proof ?" cried Diana in triumph.

"Mr.Wilding was reluctant to quarrel with Richard.

He was even ready to swallow such an affront as that, thinking it might be offered him under a misconception of his meaning.

He plainly professed the respect that filled him for Mistress Westmacott, and yet, and yet, Sir Rowland, you tell us that he lacked respect!" "Madam," cried Blake, turning crimson, "that matters nothing.