“What it is to be a poor man when money will buy such things as these,” he said with a sigh.
While they were in the midst of their engrossing talk Lady Mildred came in, for she had been made anxious by their long conference. Tea was served and Sir Keith showed her great attention, but all the time he was studying the husband and wife, and soon came to the conclusion that they loved one another. For a moment he was tempted to try to use Lady Mildred in a last attempt to influence Gaunt, but quickly the idea was dismissed as an unworthy one. And at last he rose.
“I hope to be able to follow up this meeting with your husband, if he will allow me to do so,” he said to her pleasantly, and that was the only occasion on which he made a remark that might have been construed as a reference to the Congo question.
When he had gone Gaunt turned to his wife and spoke with deep earnestness.
“That is a man, Mildred, and I hate to have to fight against him. But——”
He broke off, for her arms were round him and she kissed him passionately.
“No stupid politics, an you love me,” she whispered.
CHAPTER XXVIII
Gaunt understood that Sir Keith was not bluffing in what he had said, and this knowledge made a complete change in his plans. After dinner he summoned Edward Drake and his brother to the library, and proceeded to inform them of what had taken place, but did not mention the Marillier affair. Lady Mildred came in soon after he had begun to speak and she drew back when she saw them so deeply engaged.
“Drake, I wondered if we might take Lady Mildred into our confidence?” Gaunt asked abruptly.