“I am very glad, and have only one regret,” he said in a low voice.
“What is that?”
“That you did not tell your wife everything. She is a noble woman and large-minded enough to have forgiven, if you had confessed. But if she finds out from any one else——”
“I won’t think it possible,” Gaunt cried passionately, and there was horror in his eyes.
CHAPTER XXVII
Lord Lynton did not look forward to his interview with Sir Keith Hamilton, but there was nothing to be gained by postponement, for he was satisfied that there was no chance of being able to persuade Gaunt to change his mind. Accordingly he went to the foreign office at once, and was admitted into the presence of his chief.
“Have you been successful?” the latter asked quickly.
“No, sir. Mr. Gaunt absolutely refused to cease this agitation. It is needless to say that I spared no effort to get him to fall in with your wishes, but he is quite obstinate. He is an extremely difficult man to handle,” the Earl said apologetically.
“So I should imagine. Please tell me everything that took place. Pray be as accurate as possible.”
And Lord Lynton proceeded to relate in detail their conversation, while the foreign secretary listened attentively.