“Jack spoke again. I could guess how bravely he was keeping a proud front. I know word for word what he said: ‘ Mr. Dare, your Grace, Gentlemen⁠—my apologies for being the cause of so unpleasant an incident. Pray give me leave.’

“They paid no heed. I heard him walk to the door⁠—heard him open it. I could not look at him. He⁠—he paused⁠ ⁠… and said just one word: ‘Dick!’ quite softly. Heaven knows how I got to him! I know I overturned my chair. That drew Dare’s attention. He said: ‘You are not going, Dick?’ I shouted ‘Yes,’ at him, and then Jack took my arm, leading me out.

“And⁠—and all he said was: ‘Poor old Dick!’⁠ ⁠… He⁠—he had no word of blame for me. He would not allow me to go back and tell the truth⁠—as I would have done. Ay, Warburton, when Jack called me to him, I could have cried it aloud⁠—but⁠—he would not have it.⁠ ⁠… He said: ‘For Lavinia’s sake.’⁠ ⁠…”