'Not exactly that. What I did suspect was that Mr. Peak's departure resulted from—your rejection of him.'
'There is more to be told,' pursued Sidwell, in tremulous accents. 'You must know it all—because I need your help. No one here has learnt what took place between us. Mr. Peak did not go away on that account. But—you remember being puzzled to explain his orthodoxy in religion?'
She paused. Sylvia gave a nod, signifying much.
'He never believed as he professed,' went on Sidwell, hurriedly. 'You were justified in doubting him. He concealed the truth—pretended to champion the old faiths'——
For an instant she broke off, then hastened through a description of the circumstances which had brought about Peak's discovery. Sylvia could not restrain a smile, but it was softened by the sincere kindliness of her feeling.
'And it was after this,' she inquired impartially, 'that the decisive conversation between you took place?'
'No; just before Buckland's announcement. We met again, after that.—Does it seem incredible to you that I should have let the second meeting end as it did?'
'I think I understand. Yes, I know you well enough to follow it. I can even guess at the defence he was able to urge.'
'You can?' asked Sidwell, eagerly. 'You see a possibility of his defending himself?'
'I should conjecture that it amounted to the old proverb, "All's fair in love and war". And, putting aside a few moral prejudices, one can easily enough absolve him.—The fact is, I had long ago surmised that his motives in taking to such a career had more reference to this world than the next. You know, I had several long talks with him; I told you how he interested me. Now I can piece together my conclusions.'