“Which to-morrow’s announcement will intensify. By the bye, what do you think of me now? You must realize that I was a participator in a fraud, and had it not been for this Vow, I should have taken my share of the ‘swag.’ Don’t try to mince matters, and if the discovery has made any difference do not hesitate to say so,” Gaunt said grimly.
Drake did not answer for a moment and his expression was very grave.
“I never imagined that you were a saint, neither had I thought you capable of an act which amounts to pure and simple theft. You see I am speaking frankly, but still I think you are serious in your intention to perform your vow; therefore everything of the kind in the future becomes impossible,” he said in a low voice.
“I am glad that you look at it in that way, for there’s much worse in store. That is if I am to do the thing conscientiously. To begin with there’s the Congo, and I intend to tell you the truth—the truth,” Gaunt repeated emphatically.
Drake shuddered and some of the color left his face.
CHAPTER VIII
It was the first time that Lady Mildred had left her room since the birth of her child and she was lying on the couch which had been drawn close to the fire. Her sister, Lady Ethel, was standing by her side and regarding her with an amused smile.
“I don’t quite understand this husband of yours, for he doesn’t live up to his reputation. I have been with you for a fortnight and my eyes have not been shut, my dear. I always understood that John was a very modern financier, but from what I have seen he might be in training for a parson,” Lady Ethel said laughingly.
“John is not an easy man to understand, but I have never noticed any tendency towards religion,” Lady Mildred answered.
“Don’t you know that Mr. Drake—a clergyman from the East End—takes up his residence here to-day?”