“No, no! No one could imagine the depths of my love for her! I think not even Jack.⁠ ⁠… I felt his hand leave my shoulder.⁠ ⁠… The truth had dawned on him. I heard the way the breath hissed between his teeth as he realised.⁠ ⁠… Somehow I got to my feet, clutching at the table, facing him. I don’t excuse myself⁠—I know my conduct was beyond words dastardly. I looked across at him⁠—just said his name, as though I could scarce believe my ears. So all those watching thought. But Jack knew better. He knew I was imploring him to save me. He understood all that I was trying to convey to him. For an instant he stared at me. I thought⁠—I thought⁠—God forgive me, I prayed that he might take the blame on himself. Then he smiled. Coward though I was, when I saw that hurt, wistful little smile on his lips, I nearly blurted out the whole truth. Not quite.⁠ ⁠… I suppose I was too mean-spirited for that.

“Jack bowed to the room and again to Dare. He said: ‘I owe you an apology, sir.’