Part 9 (1/2)
”Cursed toils, indeed!” she echoed, with a contemptuous toss of her pretty head. ”The idea of a man like you setting himself up as Hugh Trethowen's protector! It's too absurd. I wonder whether you would still be friends were he to know the truth about you, eh?”
”It matters little,” he answered sternly. ”You'll keep your mouth closed for your own sake.”
”What have I to fear, pray?” she asked impatiently. ”It seems you think me a weak, impressionable schoolgirl, who will tremble under your menaces. Why, the worst accusation you can make, is that I have been guilty of that crime so terrible to the eyes of the hypocritical English--unconventionality. Don't you think I could easily disprove your statements, especially to a man who loves me?”
”Loves you!” repeated the artist, with a harsh, derisive laugh. ”He wouldn't be guilty of such romantic folly.”
”You are mistaken.”
”Then I can quickly put an end to his fool's paradise.”
”How?” she asked breathlessly.
”I will find the means. If nothing else avails, he shall be made acquainted with the history of La--”
”Hear me!” she interrupted fiercely. ”We are both past masters in the art of lying, John Egerton; we have both led double lives, and graduated as deceivers. Breathe one word to him, and I swear that at any cost the world shall know your secret. You should know by this time how futile it is to trifle with me, especially when I hold the trump card. Hugh has been your friend, but now he is my lover; and, furthermore, I mean that he shall marry me.”
The man was silent.
He admitted to himself that her bold, pa.s.sionate words were true. He was powerless to give his friend an insight into her true character, fearing the consequences, and knowing too well how relentless she was, and that she would not spare him.
”If I carry out my intentions and tell him everything--”
”Then you will suffer, and in his eyes I shall remain immaculate,” she exclaimed quickly, watching his face intently.
Calm indifference had been succeeded by a wearied, anxious expression, and in his eyes there was a look of unutterable hatred. She waited for him to answer, but he continued smoking thoughtfully.
”_Ne m'echauffez pas les oreilles_,” she urged in a less irritated tone.
”You must admit, Jack, there are certain bonds between us that for our own sakes must not be broken. The folly of disclosing my past to Hugh is palpable, for it would mean speedy ruin to yourself, and be of no possible benefit. Therefore but one solution of the difficulty remains.”
”What is it?”
”Well, I have already told you what form my revenge would take were you to expose me, and I think you acknowledge that to tell all I know would be most undesirable from your point of view.”
He bowed in a.s.sent.
”I'm glad you admit the inefficacy of your attempt to bounce me,” she continued. ”I can suggest but one thing, namely, that we resolve to preserve our compact of secrecy.”
”At the cost of my friend's happiness?”
”At any risk. But let me first a.s.sure you that Hugh's happiness will not be jeopardised by the adoption of this course.”
”There will be no--er--danger, I suppose?”
”What do you mean?”
”Men die sometimes.”
”I don't understand your insinuation. I confess I love him, so it is scarcely probable that any harm will befall him if it is in my power to prevent it.”