Edward bit his lip, and shot a level reflective side-look, peculiar to him when meditating.  He wished his cousin to propose that Mrs. Lovell should see the letter.  He felt that by consulting with her, he could bring her to apprehend the common sense of the position, and be so far responsible for what he might do, that she would not dare to let her heart be rebellious toward him subsequently.  If he himself went to her it would look too much like pleading for her intercession.  The subtle directness of the woman’s spirit had to be guarded against at every point.

He replied to Algernon,—­

“What I did was on your behalf.  Oblige me by not interrogating me.  I give you my positive assurance that I encouraged no unmanly assault on him.”

“That’ll do, that’ll do,” said Algernon, eager not to hear more, lest there should come an explanation of what he had heard.  “Of course, then, this fellow has no right—­the devil’s in him!  If we could only make him murder Sedgett and get hanged for it!  He’s got a friend who’s a major in the army?  Oh, come, I say; this is pitching it too stiff.  I shall insist upon seeing his commission.  Really, Ned, I can’t advise.  I’ll stand by you, that you may be sure of—­stand by you; but what the deuce to say to help you!  Go before the magistrate....  Get Lord Elling to issue a warrant to prevent a breach of the peace.  No; that won’t do.  This quack of a major in the army’s to call to-morrow.  I don’t mind, if he shows his credentials all clear, amusing him in any manner he likes.  I can’t see the best scheme.  Hang it, Ned, it’s very hard upon me to ask me to do the thinking.  I always go to Peggy Lovell when I’m bothered.  There—­Mrs. Lovell!  Mistress Lovell!  Madame! my Princess Lovell, if you want me to pronounce respectable titles to her name.  You’re too proud to ask a woman to help you, ain’t you, Ned?”

“No,” said Edward, mildly.  “In some cases their wits are keen enough.  One doesn’t like to drag her into such a business.”

“Hm,” went Algernon.  “I don’t think she’s so innocent of it as you fancy.”

“She’s very clever,” said Edward.

“She’s awfully clever!” cried Algernon.  He paused to give room for more praises of her, and then pursued: 

“She’s so kind.  That’s what you don’t credit her for.  I’ll go and consult her, if positively you don’t mind.  Trust her for keeping it quiet.  Come, Ned, she’s sure to hit upon the right thing.  May I go?”

“It’s your affair, more than mine,” said Edward.

“Have it so, if you like,” returned the good-natured fellow.  “It’s worth while consulting her, just to see how neatly she’ll take it.  Bless your heart, she won’t know a bit more than you want her to know.  I’m off to her now.”  He carried away the letter.