“The Baron will be repaid. His pocket shall suffer, and he will feel that more than any other punishment.”
Alone, Gaunt stared moodily before him, and sat motionless for a long time. His pride was hurt that his wife should write him such a letter, and in his anger he could not make allowances for her. And yet it was but a few hours ago that they had been supremely happy, and it was difficult to realize that she had left him. But there was much to be done, and in work he would seek forgetfulness.
For a long time he struggled with himself, and when at last he went up-stairs to dress for dinner, all traces of distress had left his face. His manner was calm and collected as he greeted Captain Armstrong, and the two men were attracted by one another at the outset. In appearance the latter was the typical naval officer, a man of few words, but thoroughly efficient.
It was not until they were smoking their cigars in the library that Gaunt broached the subject.
“I want you to treat my proposal as a confidence,” he began.
“Certainly, sir,” was the prompt answer.
And Gaunt proceeded to outline the scheme, to which Captain Armstrong listened with close attention, and it was noticeable that he asked no questions until the millionaire lapsed into silence.
“I do not propose to understand your motive, but I assume that it is a philanthropic one,” Armstrong said quietly.
“You are right in your assumption,” Drake broke in quickly.
“Philanthropy coupled with a desire for revenge,” Gaunt added drily.