She dropped my hand. "Then why did you build that house?"
"Why not, madame?"
"But you say that we are to go this morning."
"I must go, madame."
"And you intend to leave me here?"
"Why, yes, madame."
"But you said 'we.'"
I looked some amazement. "I take Labarthe with me. I leave three men with you on guard. There is nothing to fear."
And then she threw back her head. "I do not think that I am afraid," she said more quietly. "But—I was not prepared for this. It had not occurred to me that you would go away."
I stopped a moment. "I do not go for pleasure. Indeed, I cannot imagine a fairer spot in which to linger and forget the world. But did you think that I would sit in idleness, madame?"