His face showed signs of a great emotion, and suddenly he sank to his knees and prayed aloud.
“I pray you to give this man courage to endure, so that this great good can be accomplished.”
And then his voice sank, so that Gaunt could not catch the fervent words he uttered. But Drake’s action of falling on to his knees had recalled the millionaire to his senses, for it brought vividly back to his mind the night of anguish when he had made the vow. And soon the weakness passed and he became once more the strong man, so that he was ashamed of the words that he had spoken.
Drake rose to his feet, and his face was still very white, but when he saw the change in Gaunt, he gave a glad cry and ran towards him.
“Thank God,” he cried fervently and held forth his hand.
Gaunt did not speak at once but looked curiously at the man who was exerting such an influence on his life.
“I am sorry, Drake. Please forget this pitiable scene, and I promise you that it sha’n’t occur again. I was a little upset, and——”
“Say no more. You have fought a bitter fight and won.”
“I think it was the sight of you praying that gave me strength to conquer.” Then he glanced hastily at his watch. “You were quite right. It is time to dress,” he said quickly, and Drake knew that the subject must never again be mentioned between them.
They met again at dinner, and Gaunt was relieved that his wife was absent. Lady Ethel and Captain Drake did most of the talking, and the former declared her intention of accompanying the others to the meeting.