She saw that he
was in great stress. She knew him to be a loyal gentleman.
"Is this the result of that scene in the armoury?" she asked quietly.
"Yes," said Austin.
"I was right then. It was a matter of life and death."
"It was," said he. "So is this."
She looked again from one face to the other, rose, hesitated for a
moment--and then held out her hand. "I am willing to trust you,
Austin," she said.
He touched her hand with his lips and said gravely: "I will not fail
your trust."
As soon as she had gone he went to the chair where Dick sat in gloomy
remorse and laid a hand on his shoulder.
"Well?" said he.
"I agree," Dick groaned, without looking up. "I have no alternative. I
appreciate your generosity."
Then Austin spoke of the appointment in Vancouver. He explained how the
idea had occurred to him; how Viviette had come late the night before to
tell him of what he had never before suspected--Dick's desire to go
abroad; how they had conspired to give him a birthday surprise; how they
had driven over to Witherby to send the telegram to Lord Overton.
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