He bit his lip.

“Yes, you’re right, sweetheart.  But—­well, even if I weren’t, I haven’t much to offer you.  I’m still in debt; and I’d be only condemning you to pass all your existence in the jungle.”

“There’d be no hardship in that, dear.  I love the forest better than anywhere else in the world.  Life in it is happiness to me.”

“But would you be content to live as Mrs. Dermot does?”

“Content?  I’d love it better than anything else, if I were with you.”

Then he forgot her reproof and she her high-minded resolves as his arms went round her and he drew her to him until their lips met in a long, passionate kiss.  Afterwards they sat hand in hand and talked of what the future would hold for them if only Fate were kind.  And Mrs. Norton, speeding across India to shatter their dream-world, smiled a little grimly as she pictured to herself her meeting with Frank.

Next day the blow fell.  Wargrave was sitting at lunch with Mrs. Dermot and Muriel in the hotel dining-room when Violet’s telegram was handed to him.  His companions could see that he had received bad news; but he pulled himself together and said nothing about it until he was alone with Mrs. Dermot in her private sitting-room after tiffin.  Then he exclaimed suddenly, handing her the telegram: 

“She’s on her way here.”

Noreen understood even before she looked at the paper.  When she read the message she asked: 

“What’s she coming here for?”

“I don’t know.  I haven’t had a letter from her for a long time,” he replied wearily.

“What are you going to do about her?”

“What can I?” he said with a gesture of despair.  “It’s for her to decide.  If she wishes it I must keep my word.”

“But Muriel?  What of her?  You know she cares for you.  Has she no right to be considered?” demanded her friend impatiently.  “Are you going to ruin her life as well as yours?  This woman will only drag you down.  She can’t really be fond of you or she wouldn’t forget you as she’s been doing.  You don’t love her.  Don’t you see what it will all mean to you?—­to be pilloried in the Divorce Court, made to pay enormous costs, perhaps heavy damages as well.  And even now you say you’re in debt.  And then to be chained for life to a woman you don’t care about while you’re in love with another.  Oh, Mr. Wargrave, do be sensible.  Tell her the truth.  Tell her you can’t go on with it.”

“I’ve given her my word,” he said simply.

She pleaded with him passionately, but to no avail.  At last, as Muriel entered the room, she rose, saying: 

“Tell her.  I’ll not mention the subject again.”

And she walked indignantly into her bedroom and shut the door almost with a bang; for the little woman was furious with him for what she deemed his crass stupidity.

“What’s the matter with Noreen?” asked the girl in surprise.