There was a strained look in Gaunt’s eyes as he whispered the single word.
“Then you must believe in the efficacy of prayer. Ask God to give you the strength to make a complete confession to Lady Mildred.”
“I cannot do it,” Gaunt answered miserably.
Drake sighed wearily and rising stood face to face with the man, whom he longed so intensely to help.
“God did not fail you when you prayed in desperation. Go to Him again.”
The words were spoken with deep earnestness and Gaunt was moved, but there was ever before him the fear of the distress that would come into his wife’s eyes, when she should hear his miserable story.
“Shall I tell her for you?” Drake insisted quietly.
“No, no!” was the vehement answer. “I am not such an abject coward.”
Gaunt turned away with a groan and began to pace restlessly to and fro, while Drake’s eyes followed him, filled with eager expectation. It was some time before either of them spoke but at last Gaunt stopped suddenly.
“I will not make you a promise which I may not be able to fulfil, but I will think it over,” he said with a roughness that was intended to hide his weakness.