With a touch of pained alarm, Eve lifted her head. “Further?” she said.
Loder shrank from the expression on her face. “Yes,” he said, with difficulty. “There's still another point to be faced. The matter doesn't end with my going back. To have the situation fully saved, Chilcote must return—Chilcote must be brought to realize his responsibilities.”
Eve's lips parted in dumb dismay.
“It must be done,” he went on hurriedly, “and we have got to do it—you and I.” He turned and looked at her.
“I? I could do nothing. What could I do?” Her voice failed.
“Everything,” he said, “you could do everything. He is morally weak, but he has one sensitive point—the fear of a public exposure. Once make it plain to him that you know his secret, and you can compel him to whatever course of action you select. It was to ask you to do this—to beg you to do this—that I came to you to-night. I know that it's demanding more than a woman's resolution—more than a woman's strength. But you are like no woman in the world!
“Eve!” he cried, with sudden vehemence, “can't you see that it's imperative—the one thing to save us both?”
He stopped abruptly as he had begun, and again a painful silence filled the room. Then, as before, Eve moved instinctively towards him, but this time her steps were slow and uncertain. Nearing his side, she put out her hand as if for comfort and support; and, feeling his fingers tighten round it, stood for a moment resting in the contact.
“I understand,” she said at last, very slowly. “I understand. When will you take me to him?”
For a moment Loder said nothing, not daring to trust his voice; then he answered, low and abruptly. “Now!” he said. “Now, at once! Now, this moment, if I may. And—and remember that I know what it costs you.” As if imbued with fear that his courage might fail him, he suddenly released her hand, and, crossing the room to where a long, dark cloak lay as she had thrown it on her return home, he picked it up, walked to her side, and silently wrapped it about her. Then, still acting automatically, he moved to the door, opened it, and stood aside while she passed out into the corridor.