Inscrutable the processes of human hearts: even as from the very first Sofia had instinctively yet unconsciously recognized the intrinsic falsity of Victor’s pretensions, so now she perceived the integral honesty that informed Lanyard’s every word and nuance of expression, and accepted him without further inquisition.
To his insistent “Have I made you understand?” she returned a wan wraith of a smile, pitiful with entreaty, while one of her hands found the way to his.
“I think so,” she replied in halting apology—“at least, I believe you. But be a little patient with me. It is all so new and strange, what you tell me, it’s hard at first to grasp, there’s so much I must accept on faith alone, so much I don’t understand ...”
“I know.” Lanyard pressed her hand gently.
“But try to have faith; I promise you it shall be fairly rewarded. Only a little longer now, an hour or two at most, and Karslake will be here to prove the truth of all I have asserted. You will believe him, at least.”
“Of course,” the girl said, simply. “I love him. You knew that?”
“I guessed, and I am glad, glad for both of you.”
“But he is safe?” Sofia demanded in sudden access of alarm so strong that her voice rose above the pitch of discretion.
“Quietly. Yes, he is safe enough.”
“You know that for a fact? How do you know—?”