Trent listened, anxious for some assurance that his warning would not be thrown away.
“If I have made a mistake in speaking to you——” He spoke slowly, to let the other interrupt him.
“You could not have done me a greater service, Duke. Even if you are mistaken in thinking there is anything in it, I shan’t be the less obliged to you for the warning.”
“I should not like Miss Vanbrugh or my brother to know that I had interfered.”
“No one shall know. It is a matter entirely between ourselves.” The Home Secretary breathed easily again. “After all, it was a mere accident. You naturally thought I had seen as much as you.”
“I am afraid I spoke under the influence of jealousy,” Trent said, determined to do the handsome thing by his conscience, now that all was safe. “My mother had actually asked me to sound you as to the match.”
The word stung Sir Bernard.
“There will be no match,” he said decisively. “I will see to that.”
And Trent was satisfied.
When the Vanbrughs were leaving, an hour later, Sir Bernard declined, a little curtly, Lord Alistair’s offer to walk round with them. He watched the parting between Hero and Alistair, and made up his mind that he must interfere at once.