Lady Mildred drew a quick breath, and a look of fear crept into her eyes when she remembered the talk in the library.
Could John be going to the Congo? Was it possible that they were about to carry out the mad scheme that they discussed?
“Ethel, you must come back with me,” she cried eagerly.
“I am very tired, but I will gladly come,” Lady Ethel answered, and all the listlessness vanished in an instant.
“Give orders for the car, and I will see about the packing. Baby will stay here with nurse.”
“You are going to John?”
“Yes. Yes. I have been a fool, and I see it for the first time. You are right, Ethel. There is only one thing that matters.”
“Love,” Lady Ethel repeated softly, and the color came to her cheeks.
Half an hour later the sisters were driving back to London, and the chauffeur had received instructions to travel as quickly as possible. Now and then the car swayed ominously, but neither of them noticed the tremendous rate at which they were going. Lady Mildred began to tell of Gaunt’s plans to hold up the Congo Free State, and her story was listened to with intense eagerness.
“Is Mr. Drake going?” she asked in a low voice.