I could not get near you on account of that infernal old woman.' Stephen's face grew hard.
'On account of whom ?' she asked with dangerous politeness.
'Miss Rowly; your aunt.' 'Don't you think, Mr.Everard,' she said icily, 'that it is at least an unpardonable rudeness to speak that way, and to me, of the woman I love best in all the world ?' 'Sorry!' he said in the offhand way of younger days, 'I apologise.

Fact is, I was angry that she wouldn't let me see you.' 'Not let you see me!' she said as if amazed.

'What do mean ?' 'Why, I haven't been able to see you alone ever since I went to meet you on Caester Hill.' 'But why should you see me alone ?' she asked as if still in amazement.
'Surely you can say anything you have to say before my aunt.' With an unwisdom for which an instant later he blamed himself he blurted out: 'Why, old girl, you yourself did not think her presence necessary when you asked me to meet you on the hill.' 'When was that ?' She saw that he was angry and wanted to test him; to try how far he would venture.

He was getting dangerous; she must know the measure of what she had to fear.
He fell into the trap at once.

His debts being paid, fear was removed, and all the hectoring side of the man was aroused.