She laughed. “You’ll say something funny as you’re dying, Windlehurst.”
“Perhaps. But it will be funny to know that presently I’ll have a secret that none of you know, who watch me ‘launch my pinnace into the dark.’ But causes? There are hundreds, and all worth while. I’ve come here to-night for a cause—no, don’t start, it’s not you, Betty, though you are worth any sacrifice. I’ve come here to-night to see a modern Paladin, a real crusader:
“‘Then felt I like some watcher of the skies, When a new planet swims into his ken.’”
“Yes, that’s poetry, Windlehurst, and you know I love it-I’ve always kept yours. But who’s the man—the planet?”
“Egyptian Claridge.”
“Ah, he is in England?”
“He will be here to-night; you shall see him.”
“Really! What is his origin?”
He told her briefly, adding: “I’ve watched the rise of Claridge Pasha. I’ve watched his cause grow, and now I shall see the man—ah, but here comes our lass o’ London!”
The eyes of both brightened, and a whimsical pleasure came to the mask-like face of Lord Windlehurst. There was an eager and delighted look in Hylda’s face also as she quickly came to them, her cavaliers following.