He was obstinate; he had taken up his position and meant to
stand by it; his conscience was clear and his honour safe in his own
keeping; he would not speak himself and explicitly forbade any statement
to be made on his behalf. Surely some power fought for Alexander Quisante
in giving him an opponent of this temper!
"If any statement is to be made in reference to the matter," said Sir
Winterton, rather red in the face again by now, "I confess to thinking
that it would come best from Mr. Quisante. In fact I think that a few
words would come very gracefully from Mr. Quisante."
Lady Mildmay caught at the hope. "If it was suggested to him, I'm
sure----"
"Suggested!" cried Sir Winterton. "Is it likely I should suggest it or
permit any of my friends to do so? I was merely speculating on what might
not unnaturally suggest itself to a gentleman in Mr. Quisante's position."
Mrs. Baxter's smile was very eloquent of her opinion on this particular
point. The Dean frowned perplexedly.
"There are exigencies to be considered," he stammered.
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