“Is any one there?” repeated Naumoff.
“Yes. Don't move.” The words formed themselves soundlessly on my lips, but Naumoff understood them and obeyed. He neither turned nor moved.
“Stand as you are,” I breathed; “do not stir.” And I glided snake-like from him.
Then with the quickness of lightning I darted upon Prilukoff, thrusting him back into the dark bedroom, clutching him by the wrist, and covering his rapid breathing with my hand. The carpet deadened our footsteps. With my elbow I pushed the door and, as it closed behind me, I turned and shot the bolt. I was locked in my room with Prilukoff.
“Hush, hush!” I whispered, my lips almost touching his face. “I implore you, I implore you! Do not betray me. Do not let them hear you.”
Through his closed and stifled lips there issued hideous, incoherent words of vituperation.
“Hush! hush! hush!” I pressed my hand still tighter to his lips. “Forgive me! Spare me! I am yours, yours only! Donat, forgive me and keep silence!”
“Mine, mine only,” breathed Prilukoff, hoarsely; “you swear it!”
“Yes! oh, yes!”
I could hear Naumoff trying the handle on the other side of the door.