“I had no idea you were here.”
Helen rose and went to them eagerly. “He has come back to us, Stephen, he has been to France—he has been offered a commission—he has proved himself,” she poured out in one exultant breath.
“I am glad to see you, Hugh, very glad——” Stephen said gravely, “but you shouldn’t have come.”
“Why not?” the girl demanded.
Stephen turned to her then; he had paid no attention to her before, scarcely had known of her presence.
“The warrant,” he said to her sadly. “Hugh,” at once turning again to him, “didn’t you know that there was a warrant out for your arrest?”
“I only heard of it a day or two ago.”
“Then you must realize what a risk you run in coming here. Why did you take such a chance?”
“He came to clear himself,” Helen interposed.
“What?” Stephen cried, his dismay undisguised, but the others were too overwrought to catch it. “What?” Stephen repeated huskily.