It was his way to break out, and this he knew would continue until he realized the enormity of the insult to Kate and heard how he and St.George had tried to ward off the catastrophe.

Then he would not only change his opinion, but would commend him for his courage.
Outside the sick-room such guests as could be trusted were gathered together in the colonel's den, where they talked in whispers.

All agreed that the ladies and the older men must be sent home as soon as possible, and in complete ignorance of what had occurred.

If Willits lived--of which there was little hope--his home would be at the colonel's until he fully recovered, the colonel having declared that neither expense nor care would be spared to hasten his recovery.

If he died, the body would be sent to his father's house later on.
With this object in view the dance was adroitly shortened, the supper hurried through, and within an hour after midnight the last carriage and carryall of those kept in ignorance of the duel had departed, the only change in the programme being the non-opening of the rare old bottle of Madeira and the announcement of Harry's and Kate's engagement--an omission which provoked little comment, as it had been known to but few.
Kate remained.