"Just one thing," he
said. "Don't speak in a hurry, for a good deal depends upon it! If some
kind friend--like myself for instance--had come to you, say, the night
before your wedding and told you that you were about to marry Lady Jo
Farringmore, would you have gone ahead with it--or not?"
He asked the question with a certain wariness, as a player who stakes
more on a move than he would care to lose. The glint of the gambler shone
in his curious eyes. His right hand was thrust into his pocket.
Fielding was watching that right hand narrowly, but Dick's look, grim and
unwavering, never left his opponent's face.
"Why do you want to know?" he demanded.
Saltash's smile deepened, became a grimace, and vanished.
"I will tell you when you have answered me," he said. "But whatever you
say will be used against you,--mind that!"
"What do you mean?" Dick said.
"Never mind what I mean! Just answer me! Answer me now! Would you have
married her under those circumstances? Or would you--have thrown her
over--to me?"
Dick's eyes blazed. "You damn blackguard! Of course I should have
married her!"
"You are sure of that?" Saltash said.
"Damn you--yes!" With terrific force Dick answered him.
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