At last he looked round, and found that she had gone. With a savage laugh he stepped into the middle of the room, but suddenly his eyes alighted upon a small lace handkerchief which lay on the floor. It was the work of an instant to pick it up and place it in his pocket.
Down-stairs to the library he went, and there found Edward Drake, who was reading an evening newspaper.
“Have you told her?” Drake asked anxiously.
“No, and I don’t intend to do so,” Gaunt cried harshly.
“Then God help you!”
Gaunt laughed, but there was no mirth in the sound.
“I shall need your prayers and His help,” he said, and then sank back into the chair, covering his face with his hands.
CHAPTER XX
John Gaunt sat motionless while Drake looked at him with eyes that were brimming over with sympathy, for it was easy for him to guess what had occurred. Although disappointed that his advice had not been followed, he could not greatly blame the millionaire for having lacked the courage to make a confession that might have estranged him from his wife forever.
“You are addressing another meeting to-night. It will soon be time to dress,” he remarked.