“Mr. Gaunt will do what he thinks to be right,” he said, and his voice shook with emotion.
“John, do you still hesitate?” she cried piteously. “You owe me something. I have given you all the love of which I am capable. I have been generous, for I have sunk my pride, and I will do so again for your happiness. Speak to me, dearest.”
“I cannot give the Baron the promise he requires,” Gaunt said, and the fierce attempt to crush down his emotion made his voice sound hard in his wife’s ears.
With a cry she came towards him, and all appeal had left her face.
“If you will not do this for me, then I swear that I will never forgive you. Your love is a pretense.” She turned suddenly to Drake. “It is your fault. It is you who make my husband act in this way. Undo your work or I can make you suffer, for I know that you care for my sister.”
But as she looked from Drake to her husband, she knew that it was hopeless, and with a cry of anguish she fell back into her brother’s arms. Gaunt sprang forward, kissed her tenderly, and without looking back strode from the room.
“Curse the vow,” he said savagely to Drake, who accompanied him.
The inspector had awaited him in the library and he came forward.
“Mr. Gaunt, I hold a warrant for your arrest,” he said respectfully.
“I am ready,” Gaunt answered quietly.