“Then that settles it!” Richard cried. “You must stay, of course you must. Tell him so, Wivina!”
Lord Cheriton saw the worry and apprehension in her eyes but he had the feeling it was not on her own account that she wished him to go.
“I am glad you are comfortable, Captain Bradleigh,” she said in a low voice.
She rose and added:
“I think I should withdraw and leave you gentlemen alone.”
Lord Cheriton rose to his feet and after a second Richard followed his example. Then after Wivina had left the room and he had closed the door behind her, Lord Cheriton sat down again at the table.
There was a little claret left and he gave some to Richard and the greater part to himself, thinking that Wivina would not wish her brother to drink heavily.
“Your sister is a very remarkable young woman!”
