She put up her hand to her trembling mouth.
"Do you mean to say they would have murdered you too?" she faltered, on the verge of a collapse.
"There, dear, don't think about it too much. It's all over, thanks to that poor girl in there. Go back to her now; I'll come with you. Or no, hold on a minute—I'm going to get you a drink."
Quickly he fetched her a stiff whisky, which he made her force down.
Then when she seemed somewhat recovered, he said:
"Don't say anything to Esther just yet; I'm going to break this to her myself. I want first to get you both out of the house. Chalmers is going to get a suite for us all at an hotel; then I'll leave you in his care for a bit. I depend on your help, Dido, so I may as well tell you right now that I intend to marry Esther almost at once—if she will have me."
This statement had the desired effect. He saw the old eyes light up with a faint spark, while the face was less stricken.
"Do you mean it, Roger?"
"I never meant anything more in my life. I've always wanted her, from the first day I saw her."
"I—I'm glad, I think. She's the only girl I've known whom I'd be willing to give you to."
A glance of affection passed between them; then, as she was about to enter the bedroom, she turned back for a moment, whispering: