"You are keeping something from me, Drew," he said slowly, "and you have a reason for doing so?"
"Yes, Gaston, I am; and I have."
The further he became involved, the more hopeless the position became to Drew. Gaston was seeking to solve Joyce Lauzoon's problem and his own, without the test of Ruth Dale. Not only Ruth's confession as to Joyce, but Ruth herself must enter into Gaston's future plan of action.
"You know, Drew, who went to my house?"
"Yes; I know that Joyce had a visitor who might have influenced her to take this step; but I have reason to believe that Joyce did not act upon this other's initiative entirely. She had certain knowledge of her own that—urged the course she has taken."
"That is impossible!" Gaston's eyes flashed. Recalling that last scene with Joyce, he could not doubt her simple faithfulness—unless that faith of hers had been turned into a channel which she fondly believed was for his greater good. Nothing could change Joyce Lauzoon. Whatever had been the cause, Gaston knew, she had forgotten herself in her decision.
"I am—sure I am right, Gaston."
"And you refuse to tell me who has seen her?" A slow anger was mounting in Gaston.
Before Drew could reply, a merry call from the hall smote both men into dead silence.
"Ruthie! Ruth Dale, where are you? Come, let's go and see how things look the morning after?"