"Because Lorraine seems to have become possessed of two ideas--and like all weak men he is becoming obsessed by them. One idea is to effect a reconciliation with Stephanie; the other is to be revenged on Amherst. I have tried to persuade him that if he would do Stephanie a service, he must do Amherst no physical hurt--it would simply revive the scandal and react upon her, and probably terminate any chance he has to have her return to him." "What chance has he?" Cameron asked. "None, to my mind." "Not the slightest in the world, to my mind either," Pendleton replied. "But the question now is, I think, which idea will prevail:--the hope of reconciliation with Stephanie, or vengeance on Amherst. I admit I won't even attempt to predict. It will depend on the circumstances of the moment." "With the chances in favor of violence," said Cameron instantly. "I fear it--I've feared it ever since Stephanie's return. Why the devil does Lorraine do everything too late?" "It is the nature of the animal, I suppose. Some men seem to do everything backward." "What do you say to both of us going to see him after dinner, and--well, trying what we can do? He may listen to us." "If you wish I'll go--but I've given him my views on it once to-day; and while he seemed to agree, I know it was only half-heartedly. However, it will do no harm for you to go.--Amherst's return may have set him wild. Lorraine at his worst is a crazy irresponsible--and I'm rather inclined to look for the worst." "Very good!" said Cameron. "Now about this miserable Porshinger affair. We----" "The Porshinger affair is easy," Pendleton interrupted. "Mrs. Postlewaite has cleared that up beautifully--and Stephanie also." "What!" exclaimed Cameron, "Mrs. Postlewaite?" Pendleton nodded. "Mrs. Postlewaite and Mrs. Porterfield were witnesses of Porshinger's assault on Stephanie," he replied--and he told the story. When it was finished, Cameron's face wore a most satisfied smile. "It is the end of Porshinger!"--he laughed, "he is busted for good. The case will never come to trial. Stephanie is completely vindicated by Mrs. Postlewaite's story. She need never think of him again. She has been a bit foolish in her conduct toward him, but that is only a passing matter, and will be lost in the general satisfaction at his complete discomfiture. What a fool he was--to risk his social life on a single throw!" "He didn't imagine he was risking it," Pendleton rejoined. "He thought that she was dazzled by his money and quite ready to be his. The fellow is simply drunk with his financial success. He thinks anything is within his reach; that it is simply a matter of price, and he has the price. As between him and Amherst there is mighty little choice. Amherst is a seducer; Porshinger is a purchaser who trades on the other's crime to procure a victim." "The truth is, Lorraine would be justified in killing both," Cameron declared.