Gaunt was deeply moved by the doctor’s answers. It was quite evident that Sir Felix could not understand Lady Mildred’s recovery, and from that moment John Gaunt became convinced that he owed his wife’s life to the prayer that he had uttered. Residence amongst the natives of West Africa does not make one less superstitious, and when among them he had seen strange things that apparently could not be explained by the ordinary rules of life.
So now it was upon him to carry out his side of the bargain. His face was very grave when he entered his wife’s room. Lady Mildred was awake, and her face brightened when she saw him.
“Isn’t he simply sweet?” she whispered, and drew aside the clothes so that he should obtain a better view of the baby.
In answer Gaunt kissed her gently on the forehead, for he could not trust himself to speak, and he moved away. There had been such a terrible fear that his wife would go back to her old manner, and he was relieved to find that there was a tender love in her eyes and she seemed unfeignedly glad to see him.
“I thought that I had lost you,” he blurted out suddenly.
“Poor John. You must have had a terrible time. But it’s all right now, and I intend to get well as soon as possible.” She paused a while. “I don’t think I have been quite fair to you in the past, dear. But never mind, I will make up for it in the future,” she whispered.
“Do you mean——?”
He did not complete the question, but she understood, and a vivid flush came to her cheeks.
“I think I have been very selfish, dear. This little one has already opened my eyes to many things. Shall we go for a long cruise in the yacht and——”
“Yes, I will give orders at once and we’ll start as soon as you are strong enough,” he broke in impetuously.