so. I am in great danger myself and can only look to you," she
whispered. Combined fear and entreaty filled her eyes and she put
her hand upon his sleeve. His own caught it and pressed it. He
forgot everything before her words. She had come to him at last of
her own free will.

"Trust me," he answered, so that only she could hear. "Your welfare
and happiness are more to me than anything else on earth."

"Doria will be out again later. Once he has gone--after dusk--we
can safely speak," she answered. Then she hastened away.

Albert Redmayne stirred himself as soon as Jenny withdrew. He was
dressed and lying on a couch beside the window.

"This subterfuge and simulation of ill health are most painful to
me," he declared. "I am exceeding well to-day and all the better for
our delightful dinner of last night. For nobody less than dear Peter
would I ever sink to pretend anything: it is contrary to my nature
and disposition so to do. But since I have his word that to-day
light is going to be thrown upon all this doubt and darkness I must
possess my soul in patience, Brendon. There are dreadful fears in
Peter's mind. I have never known him to be suspicious of good people
before. He will not let me eat and drink in my own house to-day!
That is as much as to say that I have enemies within my gates. What
could be more distressing?"

"A precaution."

"Suspicion is inconceivably painful to me. I will not harbour