to commit an act of betrayal." "And is Mr.Wilding to be slaughtered with his friends ?" Diana asked her.

"Resolve me that.

Time presses.

In half an hour it will be too late." That allusion to the shortness of the time brought Ruth an inspiration.
Suddenly she saw a way.

Wilding should be saved, and yet she would not break faith with Richard nor ruin those others.