Sherren held out his hand which the Baron took for just a moment, and then left.
“The man is a little reptile but he is useful,” De Croiseuil remarked, and then he took a handkerchief from his pocket with which he carefully wiped the hand that had touched Sherren.
“I wonder what is Gaunt’s motive?” he said aloud, and when he fell asleep, he had found no answer to the question.
CHAPTER XVII
Lunch had been served in Lady Mildred’s own sitting-room, for she was reluctant to meet her husband until she saw her way more clearly. It was an unusual state of mind, this indecision and rapid change of feeling, for at one moment she felt that the only thing that mattered was the love of her husband, and then she would remember that terrible evening of the Congo meeting, when he had spoken words that had caused her to turn from him with loathing.
From the day of their engagement she had realized that there were hidden depths in his character, and often she was conscious of a fear of him that disturbed her strangely. That morning she had read in the paper an account of the speech which he had made on the previous evening, and it was evident that he was in deadly earnest in his intention to continue the crusade. And had she not encouraged him? Yes, and almost immediately afterwards implored him to give it up and take her away in the yacht. His motive perplexed her; it was difficult to imagine that his whole character could have been revolutionized so suddenly.
“I believe it is through the influence of Mr. Drake, and I hate him for it,” she said vindictively.
Her reverie was disturbed by the entrance of her sister.
“John wants to know if you are unwell,” Lady Ethel stated and sat down although she saw that her presence was unwelcome.
“I am not ill, but I wished to be alone,” Lady Mildred answered coldly.