He put his arm around her; she repressed a shudder. She commenced to fold up the statement he had made.
"I must go back in order to pack," she said with a little laugh. "Besides, Iris Colyer—I share a flat with her now—she'll be wondering what's happening to me."
"That will be all right. You can write and explain from Paris. And as for clothes, why, I'll buy a trousseau there fit for a queen. Come, Ruby, now I've got you I'm not going to let you go."
She shrank back, and Despard held her closer. He thought she was only a little frightened—and her fear was fuel to the fire of his desire.
She slipped the statement she had now folded up inside her blouse. Despard kissed her again and again. Then suddenly with a quick movement she escaped from his arms and ran to the door.
"Until to-morrow," she cried feverishly, trying to fasten her coat. "I must get back to-night——"
Despard followed her as she opened the door. "Oh, no, you don't," he cried grimly. "You might oversleep yourself or forget, my dear."
"I shall not do that," she replied boldly. "I love you."
In her anxiety she over-acted. Suspicion flashed in Despard's eyes.
"I don't trust you; I don't trust any woman living. To-morrow you might alter your mind. Your love may change and leave you cold. I want you now. I've kept my part of the bargain; you must keep yours."