“Now, let me tell you what I should like to do,” she continued, bending towards him.  “Will you allow me to go at once and see Mr. Quarrier?”

“And tell him?”

“Yes, let him know what has happened.  I quite understand,” she added, caressingly, “how very painful it would be for you to go directly to him.  Will you allow me to be your intermediary?  That you and he must meet is quite certain; may I smooth away the worst difficulties?  I could explain to him your character, your natural delicacy, your conscientiousness.  I could make him understand that he has to meet a person quite on his own level—­an educated man of honourable feeling.  After that, an interview between you would be comparatively easy.  I should be really grateful to you if you would allow me to do you this service.”

Northway was like clay in her hands.  Every word had precisely the effect on which she calculated.  His forehead unwrinkled itself, his lips hung loose like the mouth of a dog that is fondled, he tried not to smile.  Though he thought himself as far as ever from renouncing Lilian, he began to like the idea of facing Quarrier—­ of exhibiting his natural delicacy, conscientiousness, and so on.  Something was in the background, but of that he took no deliberate account.

A few minutes more, and Mrs. Wade had him entirely at her disposal.  It was arranged that, whilst she went into the town to discover Quarrier, Northway should remain on guard, either in or about the cottage.  Luncheon would be provided for him.  He promised not to molest Lilian, on condition that she made no attempt to escape.

“She will stay where she is,” Mrs. Wade assured him.  “Your natural delicacy will, I am sure, prevent you from seeking to hold conversation with her.  She is very weak, poor thing!  I do hope no serious illness will follow on .this shock.”

Thereupon she returned to the sitting-room, where Lilian stood in an anguish of impatience.

“I think I shall manage it, dear,” she whispered, in a tone of affectionate encouragement.  “He has consented to see Mr. Quarrier, provided I go first and break the news.”

“You, Mrs. Wade?  You are going to see Denzil?”

“Dearest girl, leave it all in my hands.  You cannot think what difficulties I have overcome.  If I am allowed to act freely, I shall save you and him.”

She explained the articles of truce, Lilian listening with distressful hope.

“And I don’t think he will interfere with you meanwhile.  But you can keep the door locked, you know.  Annie shall bring you something to eat; I will tell her to give him his luncheon first, and then to come very quietly with yours.  It is half-past twelve.  I can hardly be back in less than an hour and a half.  No doubt, Mr. Quarrier will come with me.”

“How good you are, dear Mrs. Wade!  Oh, if you can save him!”

“Trust me, and try to sit quietly.  Now, I will be off at once.”