“If I carry out my intentions and tell him everything—”
“Then you will suffer, and in his eyes I shall remain immaculate,” she exclaimed quickly, watching his face intently.
Calm indifference had been succeeded by a wearied, anxious expression, and in his eyes there was a look of unutterable hatred. She waited for him to answer, but he continued smoking thoughtfully.
“Ne m’échauffez pas les oreilles,” she urged in a less irritated tone. “You must admit, Jack, there are certain bonds between us that for our own sakes must not be broken. The folly of disclosing my past to Hugh is palpable, for it would mean speedy ruin to yourself, and be of no possible benefit. Therefore but one solution of the difficulty remains.”
“What is it?”
“Well, I have already told you what form my revenge would take were you to expose me, and I think you acknowledge that to tell all I know would be most undesirable from your point of view.”
He bowed in assent.
“I’m glad you admit the inefficacy of your attempt to bounce me,” she continued. “I can suggest but one thing, namely, that we resolve to preserve our compact of secrecy.”
“At the cost of my friend’s happiness?”
“At any risk. But let me first assure you that Hugh’s happiness will not be jeopardised by the adoption of this course.”