She was perplexed by his indecision--annoyed by his reticence. But she had given her promise, and she would abide by it. "You will not let me help you?" she said plaintively.
"You cannot help me, dear; I must go through with this matter alone--unaided."
"But I can help you," she insisted. "Van Zwieten is our enemy. Well, then, Lady Jenny can help me to crush him."
He started nervously. "What are you saying? Lady Jenny can do nothing."
"Indeed she can, Harold. She told me that if Van Zwieten ever proved troublesome I was to see her, and that she would thwart him."
Harold made no reply, but looked more than ever puzzled and perplexed. Then a light broke in upon Brenda.
"Harold! it is Lady Jenny herself you are shielding?"
"I won't--I cannot tell you," he replied desperately. "Brenda, I'll see Lady Jenny myself at once. If she knows anything about Van Zwieten, I may be able to make use of her knowledge. Come, say good-bye."
"When shall I see you again?"
"In three or four days. Promise me, Brenda, you won't see Jenny until I do."