"Were I Richard's sister, and had I his life and honour at heart as you
have, I'd not ask how. If Richard goes to that encounter he loses both,
remember - unless between this and then he undergoes some change. Were
I in your place, I'd straight to Wilding."

"To him?" mused Ruth, sitting up. "How could I go to him?"

"Go to him, yes," Diana insisted. "Go to him at once - while there is
yet time."

Ruth rose and moved away a step or two towards the water, deep in
thought. Diana watched her furtively and slyly, the rapid rise and
fall of her maiden breast betraying the agitation that filled her
as she waited - like a gamester - for the turn of the card that would
show her whether she had won or lost. For she saw clearly how Ruth
might be so compromised that there was something more than a chance
that Diana would no longer have cause to account her cousin a barrier
between herself and Blake.

"I could not go alone," said Ruth, and her tone was that of one still
battling with a notion that is repugnant.

"Why, if that is all," said Diana, "then I'll go with you."

"I can't! I can't! Consider the humiliation."

"Consider Richard rather," the fair temptress made answer eagerly. "Be
sure that Mr. Wilding will save you all humiliation. He'll not deny
you. At a word from you, I know what answer he will make. He will
refuse to push the matter forward - acknowledge himself in the wrong,