"Mr. Stanley will give you the opportunity, perhaps to-day. Then see that you do it."
"I promise."
"Swear."
"Well, I swear on my honour as an officer and a gentleman."
"Good. One more word. Before to-night you may change your feelings towards me, may feel absolved from all obligations to me; but whatever events occur, do not forget that you have sworn to do this on your honour as an officer and as a gentleman, without any mental reservations whatsoever, and to do neither less nor more than this."
"You can trust me, and if you think that anything my wife——"
"No! no! I do trust you. Go now, and give Mr. Stanley a chance to see you at once. You'll be serving me best so."
He left them wondering, and, she, turning to Kent-Lauriston, said:—
"I tell you it is the greatest proof of my affection for him; for what he thinks of me is worth all the criticism of the world and more. Oh, you may scoff! I know you think him too good for me!"
"Pardon me," interrupted Kent-Lauriston, taking off his hat, and bowing his head over her hand, which he held, "I have misunderstood you."