"This is to my mind convincing proof that he was ignorant of the woman's antecedents.

At the worst he probably regarded her as an ordinary adventuress.

As for the rest, I look upon it as the most extraordinary mare's nest which the mind of man could possibly conceive.

Do you mean to tell me, Mr.Ducaine, that Colonel Ray went so far as to charge Blenavon to his face with being in league with this person ?" "He certainly did, sir." "And Blenavon?
Oh, Ray is mad, stark mad!" "Your son denied it, sir," I answered.
"Denied it! Of course he did.

What followed ?" "Colonel Ray was very forcible and very imperative, sir," I answered.
"He insisted upon Lord Blenavon leaving England at once." "Well ?" "Lord Blenavon consented to do so, sir," I said quietly.
I saw the veins in the Duke's forehead stand out like whipcord.