`Itmightbeeasier，’Ireplied，`butwearenotawareofthefullextentofMrsRubelle’sconnivanceandinterestintheconspiracy，andwearethereforenotcertainthatthedatehasbeenimpressedonhermind，asithasbeenassuredlyimpressedonthemindsofSirPercivalandtheCount。
Itistoolate，now，towastethetimeonMrsRubelle，whichmaybeall-importanttothediscoveryoftheoneassailablepointinSirPercival’slife。Areyouthinkingalittletooseriously，Marian，oftheriskImayruninreturningtoHampshire？AreyoubeginningtodoubtwhetherSirPercivalGlydemaynotintheendbemorethanamatchforme？’
`Hewillnotbemorethanyourmatch，’shereplieddecidedly，`becausehewillnotbehelpedinresistingyoubytheimpenetrablewickednessoftheCount。’
`Whathasledyoutothatconclusion？’Iasked，insomesurprise。
`MyownknowledgeofSirPercival’sobstinacyandimpatienceoftheCount’scontrol，’sheanswered。`Ibelievehewillinsistonmeetingyousingle-handed——justasheinsistedatfirstonactingforhimselfatBlackwaterPark。ThetimeforsuspectingtheCount’sinterferencewillbethetimewhenyouhaveSirPercivalatyourmercy。Hisowninterestswillthenbedirectlythreatened，andhewillact，Walter，toterriblepurposeinhisowndefence。’