"It means, in short," he answered impatiently, "that I hold your
salvation in my hands. For the rest, this is not the time or place
to tell you more. Bid the fellow put about."

Ruth sat back and looked once more at her companions. But from none
did she receive the least helpful suggestion. Lady Horton made great
prattle to little purpose; Lord Gervase followed her example, whilst
Diana, whose alert if trivial mind was the one that might have offered
assistance, sat silent. Ruth pondered. She bethought her of
Trenchard's sudden arrival at Saint Mary's, his dust-stained person
and excited manner, and of how he had drawn Mr. Wilding aside with
news that seemed of moment. And now her brother spoke of saving her;
it was a little late for that, she thought. Outside the coach his
voice still urged her, and it grew peevish and angry, as was usual
when he was crossed. In the end she consented to do his will. If
she were to fathom this mystery that was thickening about her there
seemed to be no other course. She turned to Lord Gervase.

"Will you do as Richard says?" she begged him.

His lordship blew out his chubby cheeks in his astonishment; he
hesitated a moment, thinking of his cousin Wilding; then, with a shrug,
he leaned from the window and gave the order she desired. The
carriage turned about, and with Richard following lumbered back across
the bridge and through the town to Lupton House. At the door Lord
Gervase took his leave of them. He had acted as Ruth had bidden him;
but he had no wish to be further involved in this affair, whatever
it might portend. Rather was it his duty at once to go acquaint Mr.
Wilding - if he could find him - with what was taking place, and leave