“Then you must not break it. I couldn’t accept my rehabilitation with Gerard at that price, even if I desired it.”
“I accepted a far greater sacrifice from you, Irene,” he said in a low voice.
The tone brought the starting tears into her eyes. Impulsively she rose from her seat, and threw herself on her knees by his side, her hands clasping the arm of his chair.
“Yes, Hugh. It was a great thing that I did for you. But gladly, Hugh dear, gladly. God forbid I should regret it ever. You can repay me by granting me any request I make you in the name of what I did for you—you could not refuse.”
“You have me in your power, Renie. My life is at your disposal.”
“Then you will serve me in the truest and deepest way by keeping faithful to your word, and letting Gerard take this course undisturbed. Promise me.”
He rose, raised her to her feet, and kissed her hands, bending over them in the courtly way that recalled vividly to her mind a similar action, years ago, when he had first pledged himself to her service.
“I promise,” he said.
She smiled shyly, and flushed in slight embarrassment at the recollection.
“I am glad you have come back,” she said. “I shall feel much stronger. A woman must always have something outside herself to lean on. We are poor things.”