His first feeling was one of distinct relief, that after all he had not been the means by which Clarice had come to her knowledge; his second was one of indignation against Drake.

He realised how a frank admission from Drake would outweigh in the girl's susceptible nature the fact admitted.

'What on earth induced him to reveal it ?' 'I suppose he is a little more cunning than one took him for.

No doubt he saw the thing would get known sooner or later, and thought the disclosure had better come from himself.' Fielding had been leaning to the same opinion, but the moment he heard it stated, and stated by Mallinson, he felt a certain conviction that it was wrong.

'I don't believe that,' he said sharply.
He was none the less, however, indignant with Drake.