Drake paused, and he could see that Lady Mildred was listening with breathless attention.
“And since that night, when God gave him your life, he has struggled nobly to keep that vow. That is the reason why——”
“Stop!” she cried harshly.
Her face worked painfully as everything became clear to her mind. She knew her husband’s pride that he always kept his word, and she could understand how fiercely he must have been tempted to abandon the fulfilment of his vow, and it was she herself who had made his task a thousand times more difficult.
“What a man!” she muttered feverishly.
And pride and love overwhelmed her so that she grew afraid.
“You are sure that his life is not in danger?” she said tremulously.
“Quite. So long as you do not excite him.”
“You may trust me, Mr. Drake. His life is too precious to me.”
Suddenly she seized his hand and pressed it to her lips.