His face flushed, and he took a step towards her. Her eyes regarded him steadily, and their expression contained a hint of defiance.
“My brother would only do what is consistent with honor,” he answered with quiet dignity.
A silence followed, and both were conscious of a feeling of nervousness. Edward Drake came to a sudden decision, and spoke impulsively.
“My brother is the only relative that I have in the world, and we are more than brothers, for we are friends. Lindsay is as generous-hearted a man as ever breathed, and I have never known him guilty of a mean action. Lady Ethel, he is very dear to me, and I should grieve to see him hurt. Perhaps I ought not to speak to you in this way, but I think that you understand what I mean. For some years he has lived among savages, and the life there has made him forget many things. During these last few days he has only remembered that he is a man, and you a woman. Your beauty has blinded him to the fact that he is a poverty-stricken soldier, while you are a lady of title, who——”
While he spoke the color had left her cheeks, and she interrupted him peremptorily.
“Don’t you think that you might allow your brother to speak for himself? You parsons imagine that it is your prerogative to meddle in affairs that do not in the least concern you.”
“My brother’s happiness concerns me greatly,” he said quietly.
“Isn’t he old enough to look after himself? You are a strange man, Mr. Drake, and just a little bit impertinent. Of course, I use the word in its classical sense,” she added hastily.
He smiled, but it was a sad smile, and she relented immediately.
“I don’t think you need be troubled about your brother’s happiness,” she said gently.