"I have come," he said, "to apologise to you for what took place to-day, to beg you to forgive me." Rendel was so utterly astounded that he simply looked from one to the other of the people standing before him without uttering a sound.
"I have just learnt," Stamfordham went on, "the name of the person who did the thing of which I wrongfully accused you." Rendel made a hurried movement forward as if to stop him.
"Wait, wait one moment!" he cried, "don't say it before my wife—she doesn't know." In that moment Rachel realised what he had done for her.
"Do you know?" asked Stamfordham.
"Yes," Rendel answered.
With the old friendliness, and something deeper, in his face and voice, Stamfordham said—
"Mrs. Rendel knows also. It was she told me."
"Rachel!" cried Rendel, turning to her. "Do you know?"
"Yes," said Rachel, trying to command her voice. "I know—now—that it was—my father," and the eyes of the two met.
Stamfordham advanced to Rendel.