What other woman would have dared such candour--unless perhaps as a stroke of fine art--he had known women indeed who could have done it so.

But where could be the art, the policy, he asked himself indignantly, in the sudden outburst of a young girl pleading with her companion's sense of truth and good feeling in behalf of those nearest to her?
As to her dilemma itself, in his excitement he thought of it with nothing but the purest pleasure! She had let him see that she did not expect him to be able to do much for her, though she was ready to believe him her friend.

Ah well--he drew a long breath.

For once, Raeburn, strange compound that he was of the man of rank and the philosopher, remembered his own social power and position with an exultant satisfaction.

No doubt Dick Boyce had misbehaved himself badly--the strength of Lord Maxwell's feeling was sufficient proof thereof.