For just one moment a pang of remorse stabbed Melville's heart.
"Only the devil knows," he groaned; but the train was travelling rapidly, and this was no time for vain reflection. "You must assure me, Lavender. I must know that I can have confidence in you. After all, we're in this thing together."
A look of fear came into her face, to be noted instantly by him.
"What have I to do with it?" she said defiantly.
"Nothing," he answered swiftly. "I want your oath that you know nothing of it."
She threw out her hands with a pathetic gesture.
"I can't give it. I'm not sure of myself. I can't live and be sure of not betraying it. I shall never sleep—never know peace again."
"I want your oath," Melville said doggedly. "After all, you stand to gain more by Sir Geoffrey's death than I do."
"What do you mean?" she asked, surprised.
"You are free to marry Sir Ross."