He stopped at sight of Hartley and looked foolish.
"Go back," said Hartley, firmly, pointing downstairs with his
forefinger.
"Hullo!" said Townsend, feigning surprise. "What's up? What are you
doing here, old man?"
"Go back," repeated Hartley, inflexibly. "The Law of the Jungle. Do
you want the Pack to tear you in pieces? The kill is mine."
"I came here to see a plumber about the bathroom connections," said
Townsend, bravely.
"All right," said Hartley. "You shall have that lying plaster to
stick upon your traitorous soul. But, go back." Townsend went
downstairs, leaving a bitter word to be wafted up the draught of the
staircase. Hartley went back to his wooing.
"Vivienne," said he, masterfully. "I have got to have you. I will
take no more refusals or dilly-dallying."
"When do you want me?" she asked.
"Now. As soon as you can get ready."
She stood calmly before him and looked him in the eye.
"Do you think for one moment," she said, "that I would enter your home
while Heloise is there?"
Hartley cringed as if from an unexpected blow. He folded his arms and
paced the carpet once or twice.
"She shall go," he declared grimly. Drops stood upon his brow. "Why
should I let that woman make my life miserable? Never have I seen one
day of freedom from trouble since I have known her.
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