‘What about the dog? If he recognises me he’ll bark and bring the servants up.’
‘I’ll go up and let him out, and take him for a run while you go in,’ said Marks. ‘But what can it matter if the servants do see you, Master George?’
‘I don’t want them to, Marks. You’d understand why if you were in my position.’
George and Marks had walked to the door talking. Before they went out George turned back suddenly into the inner room, where Bess was instinctively doing a little tidying up.
He went across to where she stood and took her hands in his.
‘Bess,’ he said, almost solemnly, ‘I love you very dearly, and you know it. What I am going to do to-night I am doing for your sake. If I fail, your love may have a rude shock. Wish me God speed.’
She threw her arms about his neck and kissed him.
‘God speed you, my darling,’ she murmured. ‘But happy days are coming now.’
‘Pray God you may be right!’ he cried. Then he clasped her to his breast for a moment and was gone.
Outside he took Marks by the arm.