“Do I interrupt you?” Lady Mildred called from the doorway.
“No. Come in, for I don’t think that your brother has much more to say,” Gaunt answered.
“Yes, come in, Mildred, and help me to persuade your husband to be sensible,” the Earl cried eagerly.
“What is it?” she asked, and sat on the arm of Gaunt’s chair, allowing her hand to rest on his shoulder.
“Sir Keith Hamilton wants him to stop this Congo agitation, and he flatly refuses,” Lord Lynton answered, and there was wonder in his voice that any one dare oppose the wishes of such an august official as the foreign secretary.
“I do not intend to interfere. John must decide for himself, and I shall be content with his decision,” she answered quietly.
“You are a very dutiful wife, and a foolish woman. I did think that you would have more common sense, Mildred,” he cried angrily; and then turned to Gaunt. “Is this your final decision?”
“Absolutely, and I keep my word,” he answered quietly.
“Sir Keith must have anticipated this, for he said that if I were unsuccessful, I was to ask you to go and see him at the foreign office,” the Earl said reluctantly, for his lack of success would be a reflection upon his diplomacy.
A smile came to Gaunt’s face, and he looked at his wife as he answered.