"I won't go near her," he said. "I only want to know that she is safe and well. I will do whatever she likes, but I must know where she is, and that she has come to no harm." "Well," said Ingram slowly, "I was talking the matter over with Mrs. Lorraine last night--" "Does _she_ know?" said Lavender, wincing somewhat. "Certainly," Ingram answered. "I did not tell her. I had promised to go up there about something quite different, when she immediately began to tell me the news. Of course it was impossible to conceal such a thing. Don't all the servants about know?" "I don't care who knows," said Lavender moodily. "What does Mrs. Lorraine say about this affair?" "Mrs. Lorraine says that it serves you right," said Ingram bluntly. "Thank her very much! I like candor, especially in a fair-weather friend." "Mrs. Lorraine is a better friend to you than you imagine," Ingram said, taking no notice of the sneer. "When she thought that your going to their house continually was annoying Sheila, she tried to put a stop to it for Sheila's sake. And now, at this very moment, she is doing her very best to find out where Sheila is; and if she succeeds she means to go and plead your cause with the girl." "I will not have her do anything of the kind," said Lavender fiercely. "I will plead my own cause with Sheila. I will have forgiveness from Sheila herself alone--not brought to me by any intermeddling woman." "You needn't call names," said Ingram coolly. "But I confess I think you are right; and I told Mrs. Lorraine that was what you would doubtless say. In any case, she can do no harm in trying to find out where Sheila is." "And how does she propose to succeed? Pollaky, the 'Agony' column, placards, or a bellman? I tell you, Ingram, I won't have that woman meddle in my affairs--coming forward as a Sister of Mercy to heal the wounded, bestowing mock compassion, and laughing all the time." "Lavender, you are beside yourself. That woman is one of the most good-natured, shrewd, clever and amiable women I have ever met. What has enraged you?" "Bah! She has got hold of you too, has she? I tell you she is a rank impostor."