At the door Lord Gervase took his leave of them.

He had acted as Ruth had bidden him; but he had no wish to be further involved in this affair, whatever it might portend.

Rather was it his duty at once to go acquaint Mr.Wilding--if he could find him--with what was taking place, and leave it to Mr.Wilding to take what measures might seem best to him.

He told them so, and having told them, left them.
Richard begged to be alone with his sister, and alone they passed together into the library.

His manner was restless; he trembled with excitement, and his eyes glittered almost feverishly.
"You may have thought, Ruth, that I was resigned to your marriage with this fellow Wilding," he began; "or that for other reasons I thought it wiser not to interfere.