"You did a very kindly action, and I am sure the man, whoever he is, will never forget it, or you. Perhaps at some future time he may repay your kindness. Who knows? There are some strange chances in the world, so many ups and downs, I should not at all wonder if you met him again in a very different sphere," said Hector.
Lady Raines and her daughters came on to the terrace and Rita joined them.
"Whew!" said Hector, "that was a narrow squeak, Pic. I went hot and cold all over when I recognized who it was with you, but I thought I had better come out and face the music."
"That's about the closest shave you've had, but even had she been certain she would only have known you as William Rolfe."
"I forgot that," said Hector. "Still, it is better as it is. I say, Pic, is she the one?"
"I hope so," his brother replied, laughing. "I mean to have a good try."
"Lucky fellow!" said Hector with a sigh. "There's no such chance of happiness for me."
"There may be some day," said Picton. "You have not told me what you have been doing in London."
"Plotting," said Hector. "I am on the way to secure my revenge—I shall succeed."
"Can't you give me some idea how you mean to be revenged?" asked Picton.