Belinda shook her head. "What I do depends upon you. Perhaps I ought to tell. I owe a duty to Miss Ryder—but then I owe something to Katharine, too. She needs sympathy and sane counsel more than harshness. I think you are honest—though that was a dishonest, underhand trick of yours. If you will give me your word of honour as a gentleman not to try to see Katharine again while she is here I will say nothing about this."
He hesitated, looked down at the rumpled head upon Belinda's shoulder.
"Shall I do it, Katharine?"
Belinda's face flamed indignantly.
"Are you coward enough to shift the responsibility to her? Aren't you man enough to do what is best for her, no matter what she says?"
The broad shoulders squared themselves.
"I'll promise."
"Does any one know about this escapade?"
"James."
"Can you shut his mouth securely?"