Huckaby raised his head with swift hope.
“Do you mean that he must not know about her?”
“Or about you. That’s what I mean.”
“God bless you!” gasped Huckaby.
“All the same, this precious marriage project has got to be put a stop to—for ever and ever, amen. I hope you realise that thoroughly.”
Huckaby could not meet her keen eyes. He hung his head.
“I suppose you mean me to break it gently to her that—that the game is up.”
“I don’t mean anything of the kind,” she snapped. “Now look here. Pay strict attention. If you obey me implicitly and scrupulously, I’ll still see whether I can’t be your friend—and I can be a good friend; but if you don’t, God help you! I’ve given a pledge of secrecy to my informant this afternoon. Of course I’ve broken it, like a woman. So you’ve got to keep it for me. See? You’re not to let those two blackguards suffer in any way on my account. Promise.”
“I promise,” said Huckaby.
“Then you’re not to breathe a single syllable to Mrs. Fontaine. Best keep out of her way. Leave me to deal with her. I’ll let her down gently, I’ll give you my word on it. Is that a bargain?”