Gaunt was moved, and for a moment was sorely tempted to agree to what she proposed, whatever might be the consequences. It must be remembered that he loved his wife passionately, and that she was offering him all that he desired—her love. A few weeks ago he would have been overjoyed and his happiness would have been complete—but now——
His bond was stronger than his love. The temptation was ruthlessly swept aside, and there was born a determination which in the future should be his guide with reference to his wife—he would not accept her love unless he could come to her with perfectly clean hands, and that could not be until his fight for the Congo natives was finished. Mud would be thrown at him, and his reputation might be blackened, but when the struggle was over, and she would know the worst—save perhaps that one thing which he must keep from her at all costs.
Now she was offering him her love, and should he pass it by, might it not be refused him later on? Lady Mildred was proud and would feel deeply his refusal; but there seemed to be no alternative, and he braced himself up to speak.
“I would give all that I possess in the world to be able to do what you wish, but I cannot,” he said desperately.
“And I may not know the reason?” she said coldly, and her face had grown very white.
“I can only tell you that my honor is bound up in the Congo. You yourself encouraged me to undo some of the harm for which I was responsible. I have vowed——”
He broke off and turned away so that she should not see his emotion.
“I have vowed not to turn back,” he continued more firmly. “And I cannot break my word. You would not respect me if I did so.”
“Is that all you have to say? Do you intend to turn me deliberately out of your life?” she cried passionately.
“Mildred—I can only ask you to be patient and to trust me.”