She hesitated—then the truth came with a rush.
"The letter I spoke of," she said—"Lady Catherwood's—I gave it to his Excellency to act on as he saw fit."
"My God!" he cried. "It will ruin me—he will not excuse."
"You may thank the broken rendezvous, if it does," she replied.
"That was what you wished with me!"—he exclaimed—"and when I did not come you were angry!—oh! I see, sweetheart—you do care, for you were jealous." He was playing the part well.
"I do not know why I did it. I was hasty. I repent." She sprang up. "I will go to the Governor—I will try to undo it. Wait here!" and she sped away.
Scarcely was she gone, when he saw her returning.
"I cannot see him, to-night," she said—"he has retired, it would only harm our chances. In the morning, I shall try again."
He took her hand, and kissed it—with wise forbearance, he did not try for her lips.