It is also true that fearing exposure he entirely lost his head and spent not only his own great fortune but that of Miss Champers also, in trying to support Sahara shares.

I admit also that I sold many hundreds of thousands of those shares in the ordinary way, having made up my mind to retire from business when I was raised to the peerage.
I admit further, what you knew before, that I was attached to Miss Champers and wished to marry her.

Why should I not, especially as I had a good deal to offer to a lady who has been proved to be almost without fortune?
"For the rest she set out secretly on this mad journey to Africa, whither both my duty as her trustee and my affection prompted me to follow her.

I found her here recovering from an illness, and since she has dwelt upon the point, in self-defence I must tell you that whatever has taken place between us, has been with her full consent and encouragement.

Of course I allude only to those affectionate amenities which are common between people who purpose to marry as soon as opportunity may offer." At this declaration poor Barbara gasped and leaned back against her pillow.