“What does it matter? When she leaves you, it will be to resume herself—to disappear from all imaginary associations.”
This from Marion! I stared in amazement. Surely she had travelled a long way from Neverston.
“When she leaves me?” I said. “And at what date am I to look for that happy release?”
“I cannot tell you yet,” answered my step-sister hurriedly. “We must be guided by events. Only I beg you in the meantime, for your own sake and hers, to keep her close, to whisper no word about her to your friends, never to let her leave your chambers, and to make her lock herself into them when alone.”
“My chambers!” I looked desperately round the ill-furnished room. “I never thought of that. What accommodation have I for Countesses, what knowledge of their needs and caprices?”
“You make my task too difficult, Felix,” said Marion fretfully; “and I want to escape—every moment is important. Even now I may be tracked and watched for.”
“Heaven forbid! Why not take possession of my rooms, you and she, and leave me to find another lodging?”
“Impossible—it is impossible. I cannot stop now to explain why. Will you do it, Felix, or will you not? I am quite at the end of my resources.”
I stepped aside.
“It is lunar madness—but call her up. You will come again soon? You will communicate with me, at least?”