The
position, as you will doubtless observe, is a difficult one."
Her eyes fell from his. Once more she shivered, as though with
physical pain. Something that was like a smile, only that it was cold
and lifeless, flitted across his lips.
"I have no desire," he continued, "to live in foreign countries. On
the contrary, I have plans which necessitate my living in England. The
difficulties by this time are, without doubt, fully apparent to you."
She said nothing. Her eyes were once more watching his face.
"My looking glass," he continued, "shows me that I am changed beyond
any reasonable chance of recognition. I do not believe that the
Wingrave Seton of today would readily be recognized as the Wingrave
Seton of twelve years ago. But I propose to make assurance doubly
sure. I am leaving this country for several years, at once. I shall go
to America, and I shall return as Mr. Wingrave, millionaire--and I
propose, by the way, to make money there. I desire, under that
identity, to take my place once more amongst my fellows. I shall bring
letters of introduction--to you."
There was a long and somewhat ominous silence! Lady Ruth's eyes were
fixed upon the floor. She was thinking, and thinking rapidly, but
there were no signs of it in her pale drawn face. At last she looked
up.
"There is my husband," she said. "He would recognize you, if no one
else did."
"You are a clever woman," he answered.
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