He had remained in London throughout October and November, cancelling all his engagements because she was there.  What her work was he vaguely apprehended:  that she was spending herself and part of her colossal fortune in the East End, but he took no interest in it.  He was incapable of taking more interests into his life at this time.  He passed many quiet evenings with her in the house in Park Lane, which she had lately bought.  The little secretary who lived with her had always a faint smile and more writing to do than usual on the evenings when he dined with them.

A great peace was over all their intercourse.  Perhaps it was the hush before the storm, the shadow of which was falling, falling, with each succeeding day across the minds of both.  Once only a sudden gust of emotion stirred the quiet air, but it dropped again immediately.  It came with the hour when Hugh confessed to her the blot upon his past.  The past was taking upon itself ever an uglier and more repulsive aspect as he saw more of Rachel.  It was hard to put into words, but he spoke of it.  The spectre of love rose like a ghost between them, as they looked earnestly at each other, each pale even in the ruddy fire-light.

Hugh was truthful in intention.  He was determined he would never lie to Rachel.  He implied an intrigue with a married woman, a deviation not only from morality, but from honor.  More he did not say.  But as he looked at her strained face it seemed to him that she expected something more.  A dreadful silence fell between them when he had finished.  Had she then no word for him.  Her eyes—­mute, imploring, dark with an agony of suspense—­met his for a second and fell instantly.  She did not speak.  Her silence filled him with despair.  He got up.  “It’s getting late.  I must go,” he stammered.

She rose, mechanically, and put out her hand.

“May I come again?” he said, holding it more tightly than he knew, and looking intently at her.  Was he going to be dismissed?

The pain he caused her hand recalled her to herself.  A look of bewilderment crossed her face, and then she realized his suspense and said, gravely, “You may come again.”

He kissed the hand he held, and, as he did so, he knew for the first time that she loved him.  But he could not speak of love after what he had just told her.  He looked back when he reached the door, and saw her standing where he had left her.  She had raised the hand he had kissed to her lips.

That was three days ago.  Since then he had not dared to go and see her.  He could not ask her to marry him when he was within a few days of the time when he was bound in so-called honor to give Lord Newhaven satisfaction.  He certainly could not be in her presence again without asking her.  The shadows of the last weeks had suddenly become ghastly realities once more.  The roar of Niagara drowned all other sounds.  What was he going to do?  What was he going to do in the predicament towards