‘If—what?’ demanded Amy Herbert.
He turned his eyes towards her, and a new hope ran through his veins like a reviving cordial. ‘Caleb, my dear old friend,’ he exclaimed tenderly, ‘leave me for five minutes to myself.’
‘What! all alone with the lady?’ returned Caleb, regarding Miss Herbert as though she were a dangerous animal.
‘Yes, for one moment only. I have something to say for her ear alone.’
He had sprung off the berth in his excitement, and was about to quit the cabin.
‘Don’t go out, then, my dear boy, for mercy’s sake,’ said Williams, ‘for you’ve lost a deal of blood, and are weaker than you think for. Will you promise me?’
‘I do promise, if you will only go.’
The old man shambled out of the cabin as he spoke, and the two were left alone.
‘I want so much to tell you,’ said Egerton, speaking with some difficulty, ‘what I had not the courage to say this morning, that I know it is not your fault. The blame rests entirely on me. It was my presumption—my madness, if you will—that led me on to speak to you as I did, and I acquit you of all blame. I know you feel for my disappointment now—and I thought it would make you easier to hear this—that is all.’
‘Oh, if I could only make you understand!’ she sobbed.