faith in Mrs.
Warwick's innocence; for, as there was no resemblance between them, there
must, he deduced, be a difference in their capacity for enduring the
perpetual company of a prig, a stick, a petrified poser. Moreover, the
novel act of advocacy, and the nature of the advocacy, had effect on him.
And then he recalled the scene in the winter beech-woods, and Diana's
wild-deer eyes; her, perfect generosity to a traitor and fool. How could
he have doubted her? Glimpses of the corrupting cause for it partly
penetrated his density: a conqueror of ladies, in mid-career, doubts them
all. Of course he had meant no harm, nothing worse than some petty
philandering with the loveliest woman of her time. And, by Jove! it was
worth the rebuff to behold the Beauty in her wrath.

The reflections of Lothario, however much tending tardily to do justice
to a particular lady, cannot terminate wholesomely. But he became a
gallant partisan. His portrayal of Mr. Warwick to his wife and his
friends was fine caricature. 'The fellow had his hand up at my first
word--stood like a sentinel under inspection. "Understand, Sir Lukin,
that I receive you simply as an acquaintance. As an intermediary, permit
me to state that you are taking superfluous trouble. The case must
proceed. It is final. She is at liberty, in the meantime, to draw on my
bankers for the provision she may need, at the rate of five hundred
pounds per annum." He spoke of "the lady now bearing my name." He was
within an inch of saying "dishonouring." I swear I heard the "dis," and
he caught himself up. He "again declined any attempt towards
reconciliation." It could "only be founded on evasion of the truth to be
made patent on the day of trial." Half his talk was lawyers' lingo. The
fellow's teeth looked like frost. If Lot's wife had a brother, his name's
Warwick. How Diana Merion, who could have had the pick of the best of us,
ever came to marry a fellow like that, passes my comprehension, queer
creatures as women are! He can ride; that's about all he can do. I told
him Mrs. Warwick had no thought of reconciliation. "Then, Sir Lukin, you
will perceive that we have no standpoint for a discussion." I told him
the point was, for a man of honour not to drag his wife before the
public, as he had no case to stand on--less than nothing. You should have
seen the fellow's face. He shot a sneer up to his eyelids, and flung his
head back. So I said, "Good-day." He marches me to the door, "w