“There, there, dear! Calm yourself. Why, you’re trembling like a leaf. There is nothing to be frightened about now.”
She yielded to his embrace and he bent down his head to kiss her on the lips.
Whatever he projected in the nature of an enduring osculation was spoiled as Gladwin dropped the bag to the floor with a crash.
The man looked up angrily and the girl gave a frightened cry.
“What’s the matter with you, officer?” the thief shot at him.
“Excuse me, sorr,” said Gladwin, with mock humility, turning away his head to hide his emotions.
As the girl shrank from his arms the thief switched his attention from Officer 666 and led her to a chair, resuming his gentle tones. He pressed her to sit down, saying:
“I am just packing up some pictures. I shan’t keep you waiting long. Now, that’s good; you’re getting calmer. You’re all right now, aren’t you?”
“Ye-es, Travers dear,” she responded with an effort, looking into his face. “I shan’t break down,” she went on, with a nervous laugh. “I’m stronger than I look. I’ve made my mind up to it. The trouble is that my heart won’t behave. It’s beating terribly––just feel it.”