John did not answer. It was that conviction which had pulled him up.
Lord Hemsworth waited some time for John to speak, and then he said—
"You know about me, Tempest, and why I was on the ice that night. Well, I have kept out of the way for three months under the belief that—I should hear any day that—— I am not such a fool as to pit myself against you—I don't want to be a nuisance to—— But it's three months. For God's sake tell me; are you on or are you not?"
"I am not," said John.
"Then I will try my luck," said the other.
He went out, and John knew that he had gone to try it there and then; and sat motionless, with his hand across his mouth and his unfinished letter before him, until the servant came to close the shutters.
