You shame me through and through. But have you
considered, Ned, that all may not depend upon my silence? What
if the provost-marshal, investigating now, were to come upon the
real facts?"
"It is impossible that sufficient should be discovered to convict
you."
"How can you be sure of that? And if it were possible, if it
came to pass, what then would be my position? You see, Ned! I
must accept the punishment I have incurred lest a worse overtake
me - to put it at its lowest. I must voluntarily go forward and
denounce myself before another denounces me. It is the only way
to save some rag of honour."
There was a tap at the door, and Mullins came to announce that
Lord Wellington was asking to see Sir Terence.
"He is waiting in the study, Sir Terence."
"Tell his lordship I will be with him at once."
Mullins departed, and Sir Terence prepared to follow. Gently he
disengaged himself from the arms her ladyship now flung about
him.
"Courage, my dear," he said. "Wellington may show me more mercy
than I deserve."
"You are going to tell him?" she questioned brokenly.
"Of course, sweetheart. What else can I do? And since you and
Tremayne find it in your hearts to forgive me, nothing else matters
very much.
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