“You see,” he said, and his voice was modulated with kindness, “I can't save Mortimer except at the expense of Alan; you would not have me do that. Besides, it is impossible—the evidence shines as clear as noonday.”
“If you bring this home to Mr. Mortimer you will punish him, arrest him?”
“That would be the usual course.”
She had taken her hand off his arm; now she replaced it, and he could feel the strong fingers press as though she would hold him to her wishes.
“You will not do this,” she said, “for my sake you will not.”
“You ask this of me, and it is for your sake?”
“Yes, if there is no other way; if Mr. Mortimer, innocent, must take upon himself this crime, then for my sake you will not punish him.”
The gray eyes were violet-black in their intensity.
“If I promise—” He had been going to ask for reward, but she broke in, saying: “You will keep your word, and I will bless you.”
“Nothing more—is that all?”