Page:The Black Moth.pdf/51

truth. Not quite. spirited for that. . I suppose I was too mean- "Jack bowed to the room and again to Dare. said: 'I owe you an apology, sir.' He "Dare sprang forward, catching him by the shoulder -crying out that it could not be true! When Jack laughed he fell away from him as from-the plague. And all of them! My God, to see them drawing away not looking at Jack! And Jack's face- growing paler and harder . . . every moment. All his friends . . . turning their backs to him. Davenant-even Jim Davenant walked away to the fireplace with Evans. "I could not look at Jack. I dared not. I could not go to him-stand by him! I had not the right. I had to leave him there-in the middle of the room -alone. The awful hurt in his eyes made me writhe. The room was whirling round-I felt sick-I know I fell back into my chair, hiding my face. I hardly cared whether they suspected me or not. But they did not. They knew how great was the love between us, and they were not surprised that I broke down. "I heard Andover's soft voice . . . he was telling some tale to Dare. Oh, they were well-bred those men! They skimmed over the unpleasant little episode-ignored Jack! "Jack spoke again. I could guess how bravely he was keeping a proud front. I know word for word what he said: 'Mr. Dare, your Grace, Gentlemen- my apologies for being the cause of so unpleasant an incident. Pray give me leave.' "They paid no heed. I heard him walk to the door-heard him open it. I could not look at him. He he paused . . . and said just one word: 'Dick!' quite softly. Heaven knows how I got to him! I know I overturned my chair. That drew Dare's attention. He said: 'You are not going, Dick?' I shouted 'Yes,' at him, and then Jack took my arm, leading me out.