He only feared the agitation of the moment might prevent him doing himself justice.
Ruth rose as he came in, but did not speak.

A swift spasm passed over her face, leaving it very stern, very fixed, as he had never seen it, as he had never thought of seeing it.

An overwhelming suspense burned in the dark, lustreless eyes which met his own.

He felt awed.
"Well ?" she said, pressing her hands together, and speaking in a low voice.
"Ruth," said Dare, solemnly, laying his outspread hand upon his breast and then extending it in the air, "I am free." Ruth's eyes watched him like one in torture.
"How ?" she said, speaking with difficulty.

"You said you were free before." "Ah!" replied Dare, raising his forefinger, "I said so, but it was an error.