The brothers stood and watched him leave the room.
“That’s a man,” Captain Drake said with quiet enthusiasm.
CHAPTER XIV
In the Palm Garden of the Carlton Hotel sat a party of four, two of whom were in the highest spirits, while the faces of the remaining pair were extremely grave.
Lady Mildred was next to Edward Drake and they exchanged but few remarks while Captain Drake and Lady Ethel were amusing themselves by exchanging critical comments upon the fashionable crowd who were drinking tea.
“You are very silent,” Edward Drake said to John Gaunt’s wife, and she turned her eyes full upon him.
“Is it true that my husband is addressing another meeting to-night about the Congo?” she asked in a low voice.
“Yes, and I believe that he contemplates further engagements,” Drake answered.
“It is evident that you are responsible for this curious change in Mr. Gaunt’s mode of life. I wonder if you have considered me at all. You must know that since the big meeting at which I was present my position has not altogether been a pleasant one. Every friend and acquaintance I have met has not hesitated to show their curiosity. Cannot you give me some explanation why all this wretched publicity should be necessary?” she asked quietly.
Lady Mildred had agreed to accompany her sister solely for the purpose of having a quiet talk with Drake, but as yet she had not dared to ask the question, the answer to which she dreaded to hear. Ever since the previous afternoon when her sister had told her what she had overheard in the library, her mind had been strangely perturbed. Her first impulse had been to run to her husband and ask if it were true that he was going to the Congo, but an unwonted feeling of shyness stayed her.