Were I in your place, I'd straight to Wilding." "To him ?" mused Ruth, sitting up.

"How could I go to him ?" "Go to him, yes," Diana insisted.

"Go to him at once--while there is yet time." Ruth rose and moved away a step or two towards the water, deep in thought.

Diana watched her furtively and slyly, the rapid rise and fall of her maiden breast betraying the agitation that filled her as she waited--like a gamester--for the turn of the card that would show her whether she had won or lost.

For she saw clearly how Ruth might be so compromised that there was something more than a chance that Diana would no longer have cause to account her cousin a barrier between herself and Blake.
"I could not go alone," said Ruth, and her tone was that of one still battling with a notion that is repugnant.
"Why, if that is all," said Diana, "then I'll go with you." "I can't! I can't! Consider the humiliation." "Consider Richard rather," the fair temptress made answer eagerly.