"You said in it," she said, in exquisite distress, "that his life--his life! hangs upon my action."
"And upon mine; we two can save him. The compact we entered into for his good can now be carried out. I am ready to perform my part; are you ready to perform yours?"
"I will do anything for my brother--anything. But I do not understand your meaning."
"Your brother must see you immediately; he will tell you in what way you are able to save him."
"I am ready to see him!" she cried; "I want to see him! Where is he! O, Mr. Sheldrake, if you respect me, let me see him at once."
"That is my wish, and the reason why I am here. You know that I respect you--you know that I—" The shudder that seized her warned him of the indiscretion he was about to commit. "But this is no time to speak of anything but Alfred. Every moment's delay now may be fatal to him. What is done must be done at once."
"Bring him to me, then; I will wait. Bring him to me, but do not torture me with suspense! Have pity on me!"
She held out her hands imploringly to him, and he took them in his, and looked steadily into the pale agitated face.
"I do sincerely pity you, Lily; my heart bleeds for you. But it is in your power to avert all this misery. Listen to me calmly. I cannot bring Alfred to you; he is in hiding, and dare not show himself. I can take you to him. I have a cab at the door. Come."
She withdrew her hands from his grasp, and retreated a step or two, nearer to the door of communication with the bar. He smiled bitterly.