"What do you mean, Warburton? Why do you look at me like that? Why doyou fence with me? In plain words, what do you mean?"
Warburton rose, clenching his hands.
"I know you, Master Richard, for what you are!"
"Ah!" Carstares flung out his hand as if to ward off a blow.
Another tense silence. With a great effort Warburton controlled himself,and once more the mask of impassivity seemed to descend upon him. Afterthat one tortured cry Richard became calm again. He sat down; on hisface a look almost of relief, coming after a great strain.
"You learnt the truth ... from John. He ... will expose me?"
"No, sir. I have not learnt it from him. And he will never expose you."
Richard turned his head. His eyes, filled now with a species of dullpain, looked full into Warburton's.
"Oh?" he said. "Then you...?"
"Nor I, sir. I have pledged my word to his lordship. I would not speakall these years for your father's sake--now it is for his." He choked.
"You ... are fond of John?" Still the apathetic, weary voice.
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"Fond of him--? Good God, Master Dick, I love him!"
"And I," said Richard, very low.
He received no reply, and looked up.
"You don't believe me?"
"Once, sir, I was certain of it. Now--!" he shrugged.
"Yet 'tis true, Warburton. I would give all in my power to undo thatnight's work."
"You cannot expect me to believe that, sir. It rests with you alonewhether his name be cleared or not. And you remain silent."
"Warburton, I--Oh, do you think it means nothing to me that John isoutcast?"
Before the misery in those grey eyes some of Warburton's severity fellaway from him.
"Master Richard, I want to think the best I can of you. Master Jackwould tell me nothing. Will you not--can you not explain how it camethat you allowed him to bear the blame of your cheat?"
Richard shuddered.
"There's no explanation--no excuse. I forced it on him! On Jack, mybrother! Because I was mad for love of Lavinia--Oh, my God, the thoughtof it is driving me crazed! I thought I could forget; and then--andthen--I met him! The sight of him brought it all back to me. Ever sincethat day I have not known how to live and not shriek the truth toeveryone! And I never shall! I never shall!"
"Tell me, sir," pleaded Warburton, touched in spite of himself.
Richard's head sunk into his hands.
"The whole scene is a nightmare.... I think I must have been mad.... Iscarce knew what I was about. I--"
"Gently, sir. Remember I know hardly anything. What induced you to markthe cards?"
"That debt to Gundry. My father would not meet it; I had to find themoney. I could not face the scandal--I tell you I was mad for Lavinia! Icould think of nought else. I ceased to care for John because I thoughthim in love with her. I could not bear to think of the disgrace whichwould take her from me.... Then that night at Dare's. I was losing; Iknew I could not pay. Gad! but I can see my notes of hand underMilward's elbow, growing... growing.
"Jack had played Milward before me, and he had won. I remember theylaughed at him, saying his luck had turned at last--for he always lostat cards. Milward and I played with the same pack that they hadused.... There was another table, I think. Dare was dicing withFitzgerald; someone was playing faro with Jack behind me. I heard Jacksay his luck was out again--I heard them laugh.... And all the time Iwas losing ... losing.