He knew, however, that the omission would weigh heavily against him were it known; and as he had hopes from my lady's aristocratic connections, and need in certain difficulties of all the aid he could muster, he found the threat not one to be sneezed at.

His laugh betrayed this.
However, he tried to put the best face on the matter.

'You won't do that,' he said.

'She would spoil sport, my friend.

Her ladyship is no fool, and would not suffer your little amusements.' 'She is no fool,' Mr.Dunborough replied with emphasis.