But she must be brave, she must be subtle,
she must watch her opportunity.
With some semblance of composure she took out a long travelling-cloak,
and walked into the room in which he awaited her. With a start of
surprise, she saw him standing by the open window.
"This way, mademoiselle," he said curtly; and she realised that he must
have entered from the garden.
"One moment, monsieur," she returned, and quietly crossed the room to
the door at the other end.
It was closed. It must have swung to behind her, for she did not
remember closing it.
He made no attempt to stop her. He could not surely have guessed her
intention, for he remained motionless by the window, watching her. Her
heart was thumping as though it would choke her, but yet she controlled
herself. He must not suspect till the door was open, till the passage
was clear before her, and pursuit of no avail.
She reached out a quivering hand and grasped the ebony knob. Now--now
for the last and greatest effort of her life! Sharply she turned the
handle, pulled at it, wrenched it with frantic force, finally turned
from it and confronted the man at the window with eyes that were hunted,
desperate.
"Let me go!" she gasped hoarsely. "How dare you keep me here against my
will?"
"I have no desire to keep you here, mademoiselle," he answered. "I am
only waiting to take you away."
"I refuse to go with you!" she cried.
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