"As my guest," he said.
By an immense effort she controlled herself, meeting his stern eyes with
something like composure. But the memory of that single, scorching kiss
was still with her. And in spite of her utmost resolution, she flinched
from his direct gaze.
"If I am your guest," she said, her low voice quivering a very little,
"I am at liberty to come--and to go--as I will."
"Absolutely!" said Pierre, and she fancied for an instant that he
smiled.
"You will take me wherever I desire to go?" she persisted, still
battling with her agitation.
"With one exception," he answered quietly. "I will not take you back to
Maritas."
She shivered. "Then where, monsieur?"
His expression changed slightly. She had a momentary glimpse of the
arrogance she dreaded.
"The world is wide," he said. "And there is plenty of time before us. We
need not decide to-night."
She trembled more at the tone than the words. "I did not think you would
leave Maritas so soon," she murmured.
"Why not, mademoiselle?" His voice suddenly rang hard; it almost held a
threat.
She had withdrawn herself from him, but she was hardly capable of
standing alone. She leaned secretly against the chair from which she had
just risen.
"Because," she made answer, still desperately facing him, "I thought
that Maritas wanted you."
He uttered a brief laugh that sounded savage.
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