It was with the idea of helping her sister that she had intercepted the Baron, and already she realized that she would receive no consideration from this man whom instinct told her to distrust. Suddenly she grew afraid, and continued hurriedly: “I think I have made a mistake, Baron, and will go. Forgive me for having detained you.”
“Stay, Lady Ethel. Please let us have a little talk, for I am sure that you may be the means of stopping Mr. Gaunt from ruining himself; that is, if you have any influence with your sister. My position is a particularly unfortunate one, for I was once a friend of your family, and Gaunt is compelling me to become his enemy.”
“What is all this wretched bother about? What is Mr. Gaunt attacking the Congo for?” she asked eagerly.
“If you could find out the answer to that last question, I should be eternally your debtor. Cannot you and I become allies? I give you my word of honor that I am anxious to be Gaunt’s friend, if only he will permit me to be. Of course, I can understand that your sister must feel bitterly the insane course which her husband is taking?” he suggested, and she did not notice the eager look in his eyes.
“She naturally resents it, and is very unhappy,” was her impulsive answer.
“I can readily understand that, and in my opinion she is quite justified in resenting it. But I do hope that they have not already seriously quarreled.”
She glanced at him suspiciously for she could detect a note of insincerity in his voice.
“I have no right to discuss my sister’s affairs,” she said coldly.
However, the Baron had already obtained the information that he sought, but took good care that Lady Ethel should not see his satisfaction.
“May I ask you to use your influence both with your sister and with Gaunt to persuade the latter to abandon this wretched agitation? I am sure you will do so when I say that he is likely to suffer both in pocket and reputation, if he does not do so. I won’t detain you any longer, Lady Ethel, but if at any time you should wish to communicate with me, I am staying at the Ritz.”