"Then why do you fear?" said Katherine.
"Because circumstantial evidence is black against me, and because I am in the hands of one without honour and without conscience."
The little listener on the other side of the door gave a groan. It was a wonder Keith did not hear it.
"Miss Hunt, in connection with what I have just told you, I have heard a most terrible piece of news. This news is so terrible to me that my own unhappiness sinks quite out of sight by comparison. If it is true, before God steps must be taken. She shall not marry him in the dark."
"She! Whom do you talk of?" said Katherine.
Kitty clasped her hands together. The colour mounted in big spots on her cheeks; her dark eyes shone. Yes, Kitty knew to whom Gavon alluded. The next moment he had spoken the words she expected to hear.
"I have just seen Strause," said Keith. "He was on his way—that is, if he could get there—to Intombi. He tells me that he is all but engaged to Kitty's sister. He says she will marry him. And oh, he was going to kiss her! You can understand, I hope, Miss Hunt, that—"
Keith leaned suddenly against the wall; he raised his hand and wiped some drops from his forehead.
"You can understand," he continued, "that I—well, that I cannot permit this."
"I hope so," replied Katherine.