Philip sat a good while silent.
"Charley," he said, "the end I have in view justifies the breach of confidence, I hope. I have the assurance of her feelings toward you from her own lips, and that not many hours ago. She would have died rather than tell me had she thought it possible I would tell you. And I would have died rather than betray her if I hadn't believed your feelings toward her unchanged."
Saying this he helped himself to a cigar from the tray on the table and lighted it, and then rose to leave.
"What can I do, Philip? I seem absolutely shut out from making any further advances by this note," demanded Millard.
"You mustn't expect any further aid or advice from me. I've done all you can expect," said Gouverneur. "Good-by."
And without shaking hands he went out of the door into the main hall. Millard followed him and, as they reached the elevator, said with emotion:
"Philip, you have done one of the bravest acts."
"Pshaw! Charley," said Philip, half-peevishly and looking over his shoulder at his companion as he pressed the button, "don't put any heroics on it. There isn't enough of me to play such a part. Such talk makes me feel myself more ridiculous than ever."