Page:The Black Moth.pdf/277

 “No—I cannot ask her to stay with me—’twould be damnably selfish.”

His Grace appeared exasperated.

Fore Gad, you are a fool! Ask her! Ask her! Force her! Kick Lovelace from your house and abandon the heroic pose, I beg of you!”

“Do you suppose I want to lose her?” cried Carstares. Tis because I love her so much that I will not stand in the way of her happiness!”

The Duke flung round and picked up his hat.

“I am sorry I cannot join with you in your heroics. I must take the matter into my own hands, as usual, it seems. Lord, but you should have learnt to make her obey you, my good Dick! She has led you by the nose ever since she married you, and she was a woman who wanted mastering!” He went over to the door and opened it. “I will call upon you to-morrow, when I shall hope to find you more sane. They do not purpose to leave until late, I know, for Lovelace is promised to Mallaby at three o’clock. There is time in which to act.”

“I shall not interfere,” repeated Richard.

His Grace sneered.

“So you have remarked. It remains for me to do. Good-night.”