"Why are you so sure of that?" Again she heard Baynton's full, caressing voice. "Laura's a very reserved woman! I'd rather believe her best friend—apparently Katty is her best friend—about such a thing as this. You've admitted that you love her."
And as the other made no answer, Gillie went on, speaking in a very low voice, but with every word clearly audible from the place where Mrs. Tropenell stood listening: "Of course I won't mention Laura—as it upsets you so much! But after all, my hatred for Pavely and my love for my sister are the two strongest things in my life. Surely you know that well enough, Tropenell? I can't bar Laura out!"
And then came the answer, muttered between the speaker's teeth: "I understand that, Baynton."
"I'm sorry I repeated Mrs. Winslow's tale. But of course it did impress me—it did influence me. I'd like to believe it, Tropenell."
The secret listener was surprised at the feeling which Gillie's vibrant voice betrayed.
Oliver muttered something—was it, "I'd give my soul to know it true"?
Then, in a lighter tone, Gillie exclaimed, "As to that other matter, I'd rather keep you out of the business altogether if I could! But I can't—quite."
What was it that Oliver answered then? The two men were now walking slowly away towards the further end of the pergola. Mrs. Tropenell strained her ears to hear her son's answer:
"I don't want to keep out of it." Was that what he said, in a very low, tense voice?
Gilbert Baynton was speaking again: "It is my idea, my scheme, and I mean to carry it through! I shan't want much help—only quite a little help from you."