The fact of it is that Brott is in deadly earnest.

He gives himself away every time.
If Lucille has not lost old cleverness she will be able to twist him presently around her little finger." "If only some one would twist him on the rack," the Duchess murmured vindictively.

"I tried to read one of his speeches the other day.

It was nothing more nor less than blasphemy.

I do not think that I am naturally a cruel woman, but I would hand such men over to the public executioner with joy." Lucille came in, as beautiful as ever, but with tired lines under her full dark eyes.