"Because I was so distressed that I feared I could not face either of you, knowing what I do."
"What do you mean?"
"I know you are running away." Not a word was spoken for a full minute. He could scarcely breathe. "You do not deny it?" she questioned gently. "Please do not fear me."
"I do not fear you," he half whispered, sinking his chin in his hands. Another long silence.
"There are some circumstances and conditions under which a woman should not be condemned for running away," she said in a strained, faraway voice. "Has--has she children?"
"Good Heaven!" cried Hugh, leaping to his feet, horror-struck.
CHAPTER XII
THE HARLEQUIN'S ERRAND
Lady Huntingford, alarmed by his manner, arose and steadied herself against the deck-house. His exclamation rang in her ears, filling them with its horror. At length he roughly grasped her arm, thrusting his face close to hers, fairly grated out the words: