"Even now I hardly seem to see clearly the motives by which you were actuated. But I have heard so many strange things to-day, that that is hardly to be wondered at."
"The two most powerful motives that actuated me were these: your father's strongly-expressed wish that you should be left unaware of his existence and of the terrible story of his life till he himself was prepared to reveal everything; and secondly, my desire to win my wife as a poor man wins his--for himself alone, and not for whatever worldly goods fortune may have encumbered him with."
"I am afraid," said Eleanor, still with a smile, "that you are a far more enigmatical character than I took you to be--that I shall find you far more difficult to understand than, in my simplicity, I ever dreamt of."
"You hold the key to my heart, and that unlocks everything. When you come to know me better, as I hope you will do some day, you will find that, like most of my fellows, I am very shallow when properly gauged. Only, perhaps, I have the art of hiding it better than some. But now I must leave you for a little while. Remember, I shall expect you to be ready by half-past five. In fact, I have already telegraphed that we shall leave for London by the six o'clock train."
He pressed her hastily to his heart, and then she fled.
It was half-past seven when Eleanor and Gerald alighted at King's Cross Station. Miss Bellamy was there to meet them. Eleanor's arms were round her neck in a moment.
"Oh, my dear Miss Bellamy!" she exclaimed, half laughing and half crying, "how happy it makes me to see you again! I thought you had run away from me forever."
"Only for a little while, love. I had some one else to look after of late--someone who is anxiously waiting to see you."
They all got into a cab. There was no opportunity for much conversation as they rattled through the noisy streets; but just then Eleanor did not want to talk. She sat holding Miss Bellamy's hand very fast and inwardly trembling.
It was a good hour's drive to Ormond Square, but to Eleanor it seemed only a few minutes. Gerald, having handed the ladies out of the cab, took his leave for a little while, promising to call again in an hour. Eleanor, still like one in a maze, and still clinging tightly to Miss Bellamy, found herself next moment indoors.