'Say nothing, Jim, but do as I tell you. Remember your wife believes in you, whatever the world may say. So be brave and cautious for my sake.'
'And, Sheilah, you forgive me for that lie I told you? Oh! my darling, what misery my foolish obstinacy has brought upon us all—my father included.'
'But it will all end well yet, Jim; only you must do exactly as I tell you!'
At that moment my ear caught the sound of a footstep on the path. Sheilah heard it as soon as I did, and cried,—
'Jim, somebody is coming; you must hide. In here at once!'
She led the way to her own room, and made me go inside. A moment later I heard someone enter the room I had just quitted.
'Colin,' cried Sheilah, trying to speak in her natural voice, 'what on earth brings you down here at this time of night?'
'I have come to warn you, Sheilah,' said her cousin, 'that we have received information that your husband is on his way here. You know, don't you, that if he is discovered he will be at once arrested and taken back?'
'You would not arrest him, Colin, would you?' Sheilah asked, in agonised tones. 'Surely you could not be so cruel to me!'