Captain Tremayne
had been led by his villainy into a coil that should presently crush
him, and Sir Terence promised himself an infinite balm for his
outraged honour in the entertainment which the futile struggles of
the victim should provide. With Captain Tremayne lay the cruel
choice of submitting in tortured silence to his fate, or of turning
craven and saving his miserable life by proclaiming himself a
seducer and a betrayer. It should be interesting to observe how
the captain would decide, and his punishment was certain whatever
the decision that he took.
Sir Terence came to breakfast in the open, grey-faced and haggard,
but miraculously composed for a man who had so little studied the
art of concealing his emotions. Voice and glance were calm as he
gave a good-morning to his wife and to Miss Armytage.
"What are you going to do about Ned?" was one of his wife's first
questions.
It took him aback. He looked askance at her, marvelling at the
steadiness with which she bore his glance, until it occurred to him
that effrontery was an essential part of the equipment of all
harlots.
"What am I going to do?" he echoed. "Why, nothing. The matter is
out of my hands. I may be asked to give evidence; I may even be
called to sit upon the court-martial that will try him.
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