"Now about the receipt for the forty thousand pounds."
"Yes?"
"I think Mr. Stanley had better see it, it'll save further awkwardness, but I must have it back. It's my one hold over Darcy, my one chance of righting myself."
"There's a receipt for the amount," said Kent-Lauriston, tearing out a leaf from his note-book, on which he wrote a few lines. "I'll be responsible for its return to you. I can't do less."
"Here comes Lieutenant Kingsland now," she said. "Don't say anything. I'll manage this affair."
"Jack!" she called, "come here a moment."
The young officer approached.
"Yes?" he said interrogatively.
"You needn't hesitate to speak before Mr. Kent-Lauriston," she assured him. "He's one of my best friends. You've not forgotten the promise which you made me, when I helped you about arranging your wedding, to do anything I might request?"
"No, and I'd do it if the occasion required," he replied heartily.