"I can't think what is keeping the car," remarked Nancy, for the third time; "surely that boy took the wire," and she, too, rose, and returned to her post in the narrow deep-set window, through which the moonlight streamed into the room, making everything as clear as day.
"It is five minutes past ten by my watch."
"I expect your watch is fast," said Sir Dudley, as he joined her.
"Did you ever behold a more glorious night? Dio mio! What a night for lovers!" he murmured, as he confronted her in the narrow space.
Nancy felt a little uncomfortable; a vague sensation of apprehension came to her. "I think—I hear the car now," she announced, but her voice had an uncertain sound.
"It's just like old times, to have you all to myself—even for an hour or two," continued her companion—ignoring her remark—"I'm in no hurry."
"But I am," she declared with a nervous laugh.
"Everything comes to him who waits! I have waited nearly a year: and now, Nancy darling—" here Sir Dudley suddenly put his arm round her waist, "I've got you at last!"
For a moment she was too paralysed to move; then as she felt his grip tightening, with a tremendous effort, she wrenched herself away, and backed against the shutter, breathless, and gasping.
"What do you mean?" she stammered. "How dare you?"