The girl began to tremble. Sir Gambier laughed.
"Tony—don't forsake me."
"Hold your tongue, sir," thundered Strife. "I won't have any more of this. Get into the car, Antoinette."
He touched her arm, and for the first time she responded. She turned and climbed into the car, still trembling, her head bowed, tears on her cheek.
Nigel sprang on to the step.
"Tony—can't you forgive me? I didn't deceive you from any wrong motive. Why do you look like that? Is it because I've been in prison?—I—I suffered there...."
"Oh don't!" gasped the girl, "don't speak to me—I can't bear it. I—I'm so dreadfully—disappointed."
His eyes searched her face for some pity or understanding. Instead he saw only horror, pain, and something akin to fright.
"Don't!" she repeated.
Then he suddenly realised that she was too young to understand.