Lord Lynton uttered an exclamation of anger, but quickly brought into play his diplomatic training.
“We will discuss it later on—with other matters,” he remarked, and Lady Mildred gave a quick sigh of relief.
CHAPTER XXVI
Lady Mildred was dressed for dinner, and as it was rather early, she sat down in her own room, but very soon Gaunt came in. They had not spoken since the interview with her brother, and there were still traces of anxiety on his face.
“You were very good to stand up for me in the way you did, Mildred,” he said earnestly. “Your brother was in the right, for it is a sordid business, and I greatly regret it.”
“Say no more, John,” she said gently, and drawing his face to hers, kissed him on the lips. “Perhaps it is true that women lose some of their ideas of morality when they love, for I cannot condemn you. I only know that I love you.”
He took her in his arms, and there was a great yearning in his eyes, as he looked steadfastly at her.
“These last few hours have given me a glimpse of paradise, dearest. For your sake, I wish that I had been a better man. If I had met you years ago, I believe that I should have always been straight. At any rate, I can give you my word that there shall be nothing in my future to make you ashamed.”
“I am sure of that, John. Promise me that you will be very patient with Geoffrey. He is impulsive and may say things that will hurt you.”
“I will keep my temper for your sake. After all he has some reason on his side, for this scandal will naturally reflect upon you, and indirectly upon himself. Now I think it is time to go down to dinner.”