“Ethel, I love you,” he whispered passionately, for the temptation was too great for his strength, and for the moment he had forgotten that this was the woman whom his brother loved.
She disengaged herself gently, and her eyes met his steadily. But before she could speak the door was thrown open and Gaunt came in.
Lady Ethel gave a quick sigh of relief, but her face was flushed and she deliberately turned away from Edward Drake.
“Are you ready?” Gaunt asked of the latter.
“Yes.”
“Come along then.”
Drake still hesitated, but receiving no encouragement from Lady Ethel, he moved slowly away. She hastened after them, however, and addressed her brother-in-law.
“John, I am going back to Mildred. Won’t you send her some message?”
“I have already answered you.”
“You are very cruel. You ought to make allowances for her,” she cried passionately.