“And yet you refuse this one little request—the first that I have ever made to you,” she answered ironically.
“I am disappointed that you should have asked me to do such a thing. It was not worthy of you.”
Their eyes met, and though his contained not a hint of reproach, she resented that he should dare to judge her actions.
“Good-night,” she said curtly and hastened towards the door.
“Lady Ethel,” he began hurriedly, but her only answer was to close the door rather sharply; and he sank back into his chair with a sigh.
“After all, she is only a child,” he muttered.
And soon a smile came to his face, for he was remembering her many virtues, and he loved.
CHAPTER XXI
By the following morning John Gaunt had decided upon his plan of campaign and without any delay started to work by communicating with the secretary of the Congo Reform Association. Money was to be spent lavishly, and capable speakers were chosen to speak in different parts of the country. Gaunt himself was to go to the great centres and his visits were to be advertised in every possible way. The secretary eagerly welcomed this new ally, and threw himself with energy into the task of making the necessary arrangements.
“I suggest that we bombard the papers with articles, and if there is any difficulty in getting them inserted, I am prepared to pay the advertisement rates,” Gaunt said grimly.