In the intervening hours he had been carefully considering his attitude towards his wife and had determined to make no advance until she showed him plainly that it would be welcome to her.
“I can only stay a minute. We’ve just come from the Carlton. They say that listeners never hear any good of themselves. I’ve listened to a very candid opinion about you, and I’m a little upset. John, is it quite necessary that you should go on with this Congo business? Couldn’t you give up this meeting to-night and take me out to dinner?” she asked nervously.
He looked at her eagerly, but her face was quickly turned away, and he sighed a sigh of utter weariness.
“It is impossible. I must keep my promise. I am sorry that you have heard anything unpleasant and hope the memory of it will quickly vanish. I have made up my mind to do all that is in my power to help the natives of the Congo, and I am not likely to turn back. I must warn you that the fight is likely to be a severe one, and it is very probable that I shall suffer, for my opponents are not too particular in their methods. If you are to suffer with me, I am deeply sorry, but it cannot be helped,” he said gently.
“I wish that I could understand you,” she said timidly.
“I wish that I could understand myself,” he answered with a smile.
He moved towards the door, but she showed no sign of going.
“Is it true that you are going back to that wretched country?” she asked desperately.
John Gaunt was surprised at the question, and did not answer at once.
“If it is necessary, I shall go. But why do you ask? Has Drake said anything to you?” he exclaimed suspiciously.