"You, Jane, are my only hope--mine and Hew's only hope----"
"Do you mean," said Jane slowly, "that you want me to speak to Richard, Athena,--to suggest his taking this step?"
For the first time Jane Oglander felt a touch of physical repulsion from Athena. It was a curious sensation, and one which troubled her exceedingly.
"Richard would have to do nothing--nothing! Simply leave my suit undefended. And if you could bring yourself to speak to him, Jane, I honestly believe that he might do now what he ought to have done long ago--release me. Nothing can give me back the years--the long miserable years I have spent with him, but I should at least have the future----"
She looked furtively at Jane. It would be so much more--well, comfortable, if she and Lingard could count on Jane's approval, on her blessing, as it were.
Jane Oglander lay back and turned her face away, to the wall. Athena, with remarkable self-control, stilled her eager, impulsive tongue. But the moments of waiting seemed very long.
At last Jane turned and once more sat up. She had made up her mind that it was her duty--her duty, not only to Athena, but also to Hew Lingard,--to do this difficult, this repulsive thing which was being required of her.
"I will speak to Richard to-morrow, Athena--but if he is shocked, if he is hurt by what I shall say to him--and I fear he will be both--you must not expect me ever to come back to Rede Place."
Mrs. Maule gave a little cry. It was only now that she realised how doubtful she had been of success. She might have known Jane better. Jane had always been her one loyal friend. Athena was fond of the word "loyal."
"Oh, Jane," she said humbly, "I--I don't know how to thank you. Will you mind very much?"
"You mustn't be surprised if I fail," Jane said slowly.
Athena again sank on to her knees. But all the humility had gone from the voice in which she uttered her words. "Oh, but you mustn't fail, Jane! It would kill me." She hesitated--"You will be very careful what you say to Richard? You will not--you need not mention----"
Jane put out her hand with a quick gesture as if to ward off the name Athena was about to utter.
"No, no," she cried vehemently, and it was the first time she had spoken with any strength in her tones. "You need not be afraid. Of course I shall mention no one--I think you can trust me, Athena."