So overwhelmed was he by the thoughts which my avowal caused that he could do little but stare at me helplessly; until he sank down into a chair, as though his strength failed him, and, laying the revolver on the table, leaned his head upon his hands.
I thought it discreet to pick the weapon up and put it out of his reach; and then sat down near him and waited while he recovered self-possession.
His first question was a natural one. "Where is Gareth?"
"Safe, and in my care."
"You can take me to her?"
"She is within an hour's drive; but there is a difficulty in the way. She believes in the honour of—of her husband——"
"Husband?" he burst in eagerly.
"She believes him to be. There was a ceremony of marriage; and believing in him, she would not let me bring her to you, because he had made her take an oath not to do so."
"The villain!" he exclaimed with intense passion.
"I fear that the reason is what you think."