He was
probably more angry at that moment than he had ever been before.
Guy Bathurst stared at him for a second or two, his own resentment
quenched in amazement. Finally he laughed.
"If you were married to my wife, you'd know," he said. "Personally I like
a quiet life. Besides, discipline is good for youngsters. I think Lydia
is disposed to carry it rather far, I admit. But after all, a woman can't
do much damage to her own daughter. And anyhow it isn't a man's business
to interfere."
He broke off as the servant reappeared, and seated himself in a chair on
the other side of the fire. He drank some whisky and water in large,
appreciative gulps, and resumed his cigarette.
"If Dinah had seriously wanted to get away from it, she should have
married your brother," he said then. "It was her own doing entirely, this
last affair. A girl shouldn't jilt her lover at the last moment if she
isn't prepared to face the consequences. She knows her mother's temper by
this time, I should imagine. She might have guessed what was in store for
her." He looked across at Scott as one seeking sympathy. "You'll admit it
was a tomfool thing to do," he said. "I don't wonder at her mother
wanting to make her smart for it. I really don't. Dinah ought to have
known her own mind."
"She knows it now," said Scott grimly.
"Yes. So it appears. By the way, have you any idea what induced her to
throw your brother over in that way just at the last minute? It would be
interesting to know.
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