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I did not even ask her how long she was going to stay with Lady Dennisford; she did not speak to me of my plans. As she had come, so she went, silently and unexpectedly. She would not even let me follow her out onto the terrace; from the window I watched her mount her horse and ride away. Only just before she went she had looked back. "I must see you again," she said.
I say that myself, whose whole life has been sacrificed to a matter in which honor was largely concerned." Lady Dennisford began to weep softly. He laid his hand upon hers. "Are you sure, Mr. Guest," I said, "that you are not exaggerating the importance of this secret knowledge of yours? I dare say that Mr. Stanley, like every other man, has his price. If money "
"You have taken my breath away! I am delighted, of course; but" she continued, looking at me wonderingly "what has happened to you? Where did you get those clothes?" "I am going to explain everything to you, Lady Dennisford," I declared; "but before I do so, let me ask you something! I have given you one shock! Can you stand another?" "What do you mean?" she asked.
She raised her head suddenly. We heard Lady Dennisford moving upon the terrace. She leaned over towards me. "Leslie Guest," she whispered, "will not live for more than forty-eight hours. Make him tell you to-night! To-morrow may be too late. Do you hear? to-night!" I was absolutely tongue-tied. Wherever else she failed, she was certainly a superb actress.
"I am quite ready," he said. He tried to rise, but the effort seemed too much for him. I hastened to his aid, or I think that he would have fallen. He leaned on my arm heavily as we passed on our way to the avenue, where a carriage was already awaiting us. "I was once," he remarked, in an ordinary conversational tone, "engaged to be married to Lady Dennisford."
"I hope you've come to lunch," she remarked; "I have the most delightful young person staying with me. You'll be charmed with her." "A young lady?" I remarked. "Yes! An American girl who talks English and doesn't enthuse. Seems to know something about horses too!" "Where did you discover this paragon?" I asked. "My cousin sent her down. She knows everybody," Lady Dennisford answered.
"It is the truth," I answered. "He is alive." I caught her just in time, and led her to the sofa. Her face was bloodless, even to the lips. "Lady Dennisford," I said earnestly, "for his sake, for mine, bear up. Don't let me have to call for the servants. We are both in danger. Your people will probably be questioned."
"Matters would have to be discussed between us which may not even be mentioned before any other person." "You mean that you would have to see him alone?" "Precisely!" I turned to Lady Dennisford. "He would never consent!" I declared. "You must make him," she answered. "Mr. Courage!" "Lady Dennisford!" "Let me speak to you alone for a moment," she begged, laying her hand upon my arm. "Mr.
Later in the afternoon a victoria drew up before my front door just as I was starting for the village. Lady Dennisford leaned forward as I approached. She was closely veiled, but her voice shook with anxiety. "How is he?" she asked. "It is hard to say," I answered. "He has been writing for the last three hours. I was just going down to see if Rust has heard from the London man he wired for."
"You do not recognize me, Lady Dennisford?" I asked. She frowned slightly. "Your voice is familiar," she answered, "and why, you have a look of Hardross Courage! Who are you?" "I am Hardross Courage," I answered. "Please do not look at me as though I were something uncanny. The report of my death was a little premature!" She held out her hands. "My dear Hardross!" she exclaimed.
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