The lady may try a bluff, if she is that kind, but it will be soon over." We waited silently, and I endeavored swiftly to formulate a satisfactory course of action.

In spite of all my faith in her--which could never waver--it was clearly evident this fellow had us helpless in his grasp.

If I was to become free to act it could only be by yielding to his expressed desires, and apparently accepting his claims.
That this would separate me for the time from Mrs.Henley, alienate her friendship, was a certainty.

Yet I must risk all this even to be of real service.

The end would justify the means.