'Yes. You're too late. If only I'd succeeded better in slowing us down!'

 'You may at least comfort yourself with the reflection that you did your very best, m'dear.'

 'Don't call her that!'

 'I will call her whatever I please. She's my wife.' 

 Lucas strode over to him. I thought he would shout, but he did not. 

 'You won't get away with this Hardley,' he hissed, leaning in very close, the effect only slightly marred by the fact he was some two inches shorter. 'I'll make you sorry before long!'

 They were surely going to fight. I closed my eyes. There was a long silence. I opened my eyes. Lord Hardley was again seated at the table, calmly sipping from his glass. There was...

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