At this moment there was an interruption.
"Wait a moment, Cort, please," said a voice.
The door into Mr. Janney's parlor had opened suddenly, and Mrs. Cheyne had entered the room. And while the General eyed her angrily, too amazed to speak, she strode quickly forward into the group and continued quietly,
"There has been a mistake—a terrible mistake. If you'll let me explain——"
General Bent was the first to recover his senses. "Rita! Leave the room at once!" he commanded.
"No," she said firmly, "not until you hear what I have to say——"
"I can't listen now—another time," he fumed.
"No, now. I'm going to save you from doing something that you'll regret the rest of your life."
While the General questioned, Jeff had turned and seized her by the arm, his eyes pleading.
"Rita!" he muttered, "You know? .... For God's sake, don't! ... Not now!"