Twice he avoided Etta.
In some ways this man was courageous.

He delayed giving Etta her opportunity until there was a question of retiring to bed in view of the early start required by the next day's arrangements.

It had been finally settled that the three younger ladies should drive over to a woodman's cottage at the far end of the forest, where luncheon was to be served.
While this item of the programme was arranged De Chauxville looked straight at Etta across the table.
At length she had the chance afforded to her, deliberately, by De Chauxville.
"What did you mean ?" she asked at once.
"I have received information which, had I known it three months ago, would have made a difference in your life." "What difference ?" "I should have been your husband, instead of that thick-headed giant." Etta laughed, but her lips were for the moment colorless.
"When am I to see you alone ?" Etta shrugged her shoulders.

She had plenty of spirit.
"Please do not be dramatic or mysterious; I am tired.

Good-night." She rose and concealed a simulated yawn.
De Chauxville looked at her with his sinister smile, and Etta suddenly saw the resemblance which Paul had noted between this man and the grinning mask of the lynx in the smoking-room at Osterno.
"When ?" repeated he.
Etta shrugged her shoulders.
"I wish to speak to you about the Charity League," said De Chauxville.
Etta's eyes dilated.