“You mean?”
As he asked the question he was conscious of a fierce pain tugging at his heart, for he dreaded to hear her answer.
“I mean—nothing,” she cried gaily.
The door was thrown open and Gaunt strode in, putting an end to the conversation.
“I got your message. What is it?” he asked quickly of Drake.
The latter glanced significantly at Lady Ethel who understood his meaning.
“I will relieve you of my presence, and I hope that I have completely reassured you.”
The last sentence was addressed to Drake, and was spoken so mockingly that he winced, and the color came to his cheeks.
“What’s the matter?” Gaunt demanded as soon as they were alone.
There was a worried look on his face, and it seemed to Drake that there were lines around his eyes that he had not before noticed.