 but her look declared that she held to
another interpretation.
    »Well,« Buckland added, impatiently, »we will hear father's opinion. He,
remember, has been deceived in a very gross and cruel way. Possibly he may help
you to see the thing in all its hatefulness.«
    Sidwell turned to him.
    »You go to London this afternoon?«
    »In an hour or two,« he replied, consulting his watch.
    »Is it any use my asking you to keep silence about everything until I am
back in town?«
    Buckland frowned and hesitated.
    »To mother as well as father, you mean?«
    »Yes. Will you do me this kindness?«
    »Answer me a question, Sidwell. Have you any thought of seeing Peak?«
    »I can't say,« she replied, in agitation. »I must leave myself free. I have
a right to use my own judgment.«
    »Don't see him! I beg you not to see him!«
    He was so earnest that Sidwell suspected some other reason in his request
than regard for her dignity.
    »I must leave myself free,« she repeated, with shaking voice. »In any case I
shall be back in London to-morrow evening - that is, if - but I am sure mother
will wish to go. Grant me this one kindness; say nothing here or there till I am
back and have seen you again.«
    He turned a deaf ear, for the persistency with which she resisted proof of
Peak's dishonour had begun to alarm him. Who could say what miserable folly she
might commit in the next four-and-twenty hours? The unavoidable necessity of his
own return exasperated him; he wished to see her safe back in London, and under
her father's care.
    »No,« he exclaimed, with a gesture of determination; »I can't keep such a
thing as this secret for another hour. Mother must know at once - especially as
you mean to invite that fellow into the house again. - I have half a mind to
telegraph to Godolphin that I can't possibly be with him to-night.«
    Sidwell regarded him and spoke with forced composure.
    »Do as seems right to you, Buckland. But don't think that by remaining here
you would prevent me from seeing Mr. Peak, if I wish to do so. That is treating
me too much like a child. You have done your part - doubtless your duty; now I
must
