Taking this bad news for granted, was there any need to distress Iris by communicating the motive which detained Lord Harry in his own country?
Surely not! And, again, was there any immediate advantage to be gained by revealing the true character of Mrs.Vimpany, as a spy, and, worse still, a spy who was paid?
In her present state of feeling, Iris would, in all probability, refuse to believe it.
Arriving at these conclusions, Hugh looked at the doctor snoring and choking in an easy-chair.

He had not wasted the time and patience devoted to the stratagem which had now successfully reached its end.
After what he had just heard--thanks to the claret--he could not hesitate to accomplish the speedy removal of Iris from Mr.Vimpany's house; using her father's telegram as the only means of persuasion on which it was possible to rely.

Mountjoy left the inn without ceremony, and hurried away to Iris in the hope of inducing her to return to London with him that night..