"
"More especially when there is some one who drops poison in her ear day
by day," he retorted.
"Yes," she acknowledged frankly. "If I can bring matters to a head,
force you to a choice between Adrienne and Diana, I shall do it. And
then, before God, Max! I believe you'll free yourself from that woman."
"No," he answered quietly, "I shall not."
"You'll sacrifice Diana?"--incredulously.
A smile of confidence lightened his face.
"I don't think it will come to that. I'm staking--everything--on
Diana's trust in me."
"Then you'll lose--lose, I tell you."
"No," he said steadily. "I shall win."
Olga smote her hands together.
"Was there ever such a fool! I tell you, no woman's trust can hold out
for ever. And since you can't explain to her--"
"It won't be for ever," he broke in quickly. "Everything goes well.
Before long all the concealment will be at an end. And I shall be
free."
Olga turned away.
"I can't wish you success," she said bitterly. "The day that brings
you success will be the blackest hour of my life."
Errington's face softened a little.
"Olga, you are unreasonable--"
"Unreasonable, am I? Because I grudge paying for the sins of
others? . . . If that is unreasonable--yes, then, I _am_ unreasonable!
Now, go. Go, and remember, Max, we are on opposite sides of the camp."
Errington paused at the door.
"So long as you keep your honour--_our_ honour--clean," he said, "do
what you like! I have utter, absolute trust in Diana.
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