"With your help, yes," he answered; and the sound of his voice violated her like a caress. Millie rose from her chair.
At once Callon rose too, and altered his tone.
"You have heard from Sir Anthony Stretton?" he said. "Tell me of yourself."
"Yes, I have heard. He will not return yet."
There came a light into Callon's eyes. He raised his hand to his mouth to hide a smile.
"Few men," he said, with the utmost sympathy, "would have left you to bear these last weeks alone."
He was standing just behind her, speaking over her shoulder. He was very still, the house was very silent. Millie was suddenly aware of danger.
"You must not say that, Mr. Callon," she said rather sharply.
And immediately he answered, "I beg your pardon. I had no idea my sympathy would have seemed to you an insult."
He spoke with a sudden bitterness. Millicent turned round in surprise. She saw that his face was stern and cold.