"
"There's no use beating about the bush in this way," said Meldon. "If
you think I'm going to remain passively indifferent while my
unfortunate friend allows himself to be entrapped by a woman like Mrs.
Lorimer--"
"Good Heavens!" said the judge. "Mrs. Lorimer! What on earth has Mrs.
Lorimer--?"
"There's no use your pretending to be ignorant of the facts," said
Meldon. "You must know them."
He wrenched his arm from the judge's grip as he spoke, and started at a
rapid pace towards the lawn. Sir Gilbert Hawkesby hesitated for a
moment with a look of bewilderment on his face. Then he ran after
Meldon, and caught him by the arm again.
"Hold on a minute," he said. "Something has just occurred to me.
Before you do anything rash let me tell you a little story."
"I can't wait," said Meldon. "Every moment increases the Major's
danger. Further endearments--"
"We needn't be afraid of that," said the judge, "while Simpkins is
there, and I really do want to tell you my story. It may, I think it
will, alter your whole view of the situation."
"I'll give you two minutes," said Meldon, taking out his watch.
"One will do," said the judge, speaking rapidly.
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