Tracy took no notice, but countered so deftly that John's blade wavered, and he staggered back. For an instant it seemed as though the end had come, but somehow he steadied himself, recovering his guard.
Diana was on her feet now, nearly as white as her lover, her hands pressed to her breast. She saw that John's point was no longer so purposeful, and the smile had gone from his lips. They were parted now, the upper one rigid, and a deep furrow cut into his brow.
Then, startling in the stillness of the great house, came the clanging of a bell, pulled with some violence.
Carstares' white lips moved soundlessly, and Diana, guessing it to be her father, moved, clinging to the wall, towards the door.
A moment later along the passage came the sound of steps; a gay, boisterous voice was raised, followed by a deeper, graver one.
His Grace's face became devilish in its expression, but Carstares took no notice, seeming not to hear. Only he thrust with such skill that his Grace was forced to fall back a pace. The loud voices demanded to know what was toward in the locked room, and Diana, knowing that my lord was nearly spent, beat upon the panels.
"Quickly, quickly!" she cried. "Break through, for heaven's sake, whoever you are! 'Tis locked!"
"Good Gad! 'tis a woman!" exclaimed the voice. "Listen, Dick!-why-why-'tis a fight!"
"Oh, be quick!" implored poor Diana.
And then came the deeper voice: "Stand away, madam, we will burst the lock."
She moved quickly aside, turning her attention once more to the duel by the window, as Andrew flung his shoulder against the stout wood.
At the third blow the lock gave, the door flew wide, and Lord Andrew was precipitated into the room.
And the two by the window fought on unheeding, faster and faster.
"Well, I'm damned!" said Andrew, surveying them. He walked forward interestedly, and at the same moment caught sight of Jack's face. He stared in amazement, and called to Richard.
"Good Lord! Here! Dick! Come here! Surely it's-who is that man?"
Diana saw the tall gentleman, so like her lover in appearance, step forward to the young rake's side. The next events happened in a flash. She heard a great cry, and before she had time to know what he was doing, Richard had whipped his sword from its scabbard and had struck up the two blades. In that moment the years rolled back, and, recognising his brother, Jack gasped furiously: "Damn-you-Dick! Out-of-the way!"
Tracy stood leaning on his sword, watching, his breath coming in gasps, but still with that cynical smile on his lips.