Chaytor said nothing; he did not like the signs, and the temptation came again upon him to fly. But still the image of Annette acted as a counterpoise--her very avoidance of him made the prize more precious.
"Why did you not come to welcome us?" he asked, when at length she made her appearance.
"I was not well," she answered, with her eyes on the ground.
"Are you better now?"
"No."
"This is a nice lover's greeting," he said.
She shivered. He gazed frowningly at her, but she did not raise her head. "I will break her spirit," he thought.
Aloud he said, "You do not seem happy, Annette."
"I am most unhappy."
"Am I the cause?" he asked, and waited for the reply which did not come. "It is clear then; do you wish to break the contract?"