"I can guess, sir," said the lawyer, gravely "No, no! No one could imagine the depths of my love for her! I think not even Jack. . . . I felt his hand leave my shoulder. . . . The truth had dawned on him. I heard the way the breath hissed between his teeth as he realised. . . . Somehow I got to my feet, clutching at the table, facing him. I don't excuse myself-I know my conduct was beyond words dastardly. I looked across at him-just said his name, as though I could scarce believe my ears. So all those watching thought. But Jack knew better. He knew I was imploring him to save me.
He understood all that I was trying to convey to him. For an instant he stared at me. I thought-I thought-God forgive me, I prayed that he might take the blame on himself. Then he smiled. Coward though I was, when I saw that hurt, wistful little smile on his lips, I nearly blurted out the whole truth. Not quite. . . . I suppose I was too mean-spirited for that.
"Jack bowed to the room and again to Dare. He said: 'I owe you an apology, sir.'
"Dare sprang forward, catching him by the shoulder-crying out that it could not be true! When Jack laughed-he fell away from him as from-the plague. And all of them! My God, to see them drawing away-not looking at Jack! And Jack's face-growing paler and harder . . .
every moment. . . . All his friends. . . turning their backs to him. Davenant-even Jim Davenant walked away to the fireplace with Evans.
"I could not look at Jack. I dared not. I could not go to him-stand by him! I had not the right. I had to leave him there-in the middle of the room-alone. The awful hurt in his eyes made me writhe. The room was whirling round-I felt sick-I know I fell back into my chair, hiding my face. I hardly cared whether they suspected me or not. But they did not. They knew how great was the love between us, and they were not surprised that I broke down.
"I heard Andover's soft voice. . . he was telling some tale to Dare. Oh, they were well-bred those men! They skimmed over the unpleasant little episode-ignored Jack!
"Jack spoke again. I could guess how bravely he was keeping a proud front. I know word for word what he said: 'Mr. Dare, your Grace, Gentlemen- my apologies for being the cause of so unpleasant an incident. Pray give me leave.'
"They paid no heed. I heard him walk to the door-heard him open it. I could not look at him. He-he paused. . . and said just one word: 'Dick!' quite softly. Heaven knows how I got to him! I know I overturned my chair. That drew Dare's attention. He said: 'You are not going, Dick?' I shouted 'Yes,' at him, and then Jack took my arm, leading me out.