"I promise that you shall know—everything—then," she said.
"Please—give me till then!"
There was earnest entreaty in her voice, but she had subdued her agitation. She met the scorching intensity of his look with eyes that never wavered, and in spite of himself he was swayed by her steadfastness.
"Very well," he said, and set her free. "Till to-night!"
She turned from him in silence and opened the door. He stood motionless, with hands clenched at his sides, and watched her.
She went down the passage without haste and reached the outer door. She opened it without fumbling, and in a moment Saltash's debonair accents came to him.
"Ah, Juliette! You are ready? Has your good husband got back yet? Ah, there you are, sir! I have called to offer you and madame a lift. I am going your way."
He came sauntering up the passage with the royal assurance characteristic of him, and held out his hand to Dick with malicious cordiality.
"I come as a friend, Romeo. Do you know you're very late? Have you only just got back?"
Juliet's eyes were upon Dick. She saw his momentary hesitation before he took the proffered hand.
Saltash saw it also and grinned appreciatively. "Well, what news? What did Yardley have to say?"