“I mean, you will not let her approach too close to you. I know her to be a dangerous woman, capable of any madness.”
“You will be there,” she said, with an accent of trust in me which I read with delight.
“But still she must not come too near you. Infinite mischief might be wrought in a single unguarded moment.”
“You think she may even try to murder me in your presence?”
“I believe her capable of any desperate deed; that is why I urge you,” I cried, very earnestly.
She smiled, let her eyes rest on mine with a look that seemed as tender and warm as a ray of summer morning sunshine, while a faint blush tinged her cheeks.
“I will not cause you a moment’s needless anxiety; you have had too many on my account already,” she said gently; and in the pause that followed a servant entered to say that the Countess Bokara was waiting to see me.
We had arranged that I should see her first alone, and I found her in a mood of jubilant and boastful confidence.
“I knew you would come round to my views, Count, though I confess I did not think the effect of what I said yesterday would be felt quite so quickly. I was disposed to give you at least three or four days, but I like you better for your promptness.” She spoke exultingly.
“I am not so confident as yourself that our interview will end to your liking,” I answered.