“And I do not think that he ought to benefit. Let him do his worst. I don’t suppose that he dare make a fuss,” Drake said without noticing what Gaunt had said.
“Very well, I will follow your advice, but I quite anticipate a lively time when Weiss and I do happen to meet. Are you going to turn in?”
“Yes. I am tired, for I found this evening rather exciting. By the bye, my brother Lindsay arrives to-morrow from West Africa, and I intended meeting him, unless you particularly want me.”
“I didn’t know you had a brother on the coast. What is he doing there?” Gaunt asked with interest.
“He’s a captain in the West African Frontier Force.”
“Why not bring him to stay here? There’s plenty of room, and he can have as much freedom as if he were at an hotel.”
“That’s uncommonly good of you. I should like it above all things. Good-night.”
“I am glad that you are satisfied with my performance this evening. Good-night,” Gaunt answered grimly.
Drake took the outstretched hand, and the two men looked at one another steadily, and there was a mutual liking in their eyes.
Alone, Gaunt began to pace restlessly to and fro. Even while he had been addressing the meeting his thoughts were with Lady Mildred, and now a great fear was clutching at his heart. Had God given him his wife’s life only to withhold her love for which he longed with every fibre of his being?