"Can't you believe me? But of course you can't. Why should you?
Doria in danger! However, if you want him, you don't want me, Mark."

It was the first time that she had thus addressed him and his heart
throbbed; but the temptation to confide in her lasted not a moment.

"On the contrary I want you both," he answered. "I attach very great
weight to the hints you have given me--not only for my sake but for
your own. The end is not yet as far as you're concerned, Jenny, for
your welfare is more to me than anything else in the world--you know
it. Trust me to prove that presently. But other things come first. I
must do what I am here to do, before I am free to do what I long to
do."

"I trust you--and only you," she said. "In all this bewilderment and
misery, you are now the only steadfast rock to which I can cling.
Don't desert me, that's all that I ask."

"Never! All that's best in me shall be devoted to you, thankfully
and proudly--now that you have wished it. Trust me, I say again.
Call your husband. I want to tell you both what happened to me
yesterday."

Again she hesitated and gazed intently upon him.

"Are you sure that you are wise? Would Mr. Ganns like you to tell
Doria anything?"

"You will judge better when you have heard me."