“Do not say any more,” she interrupted coldly. “I am quite convinced of my folly and am ready to go.”
“Sit down and wait while I get my hat. We must get away unobserved. Suspicious eyes are watching my every movement to-night. I can’t tell you all, but I will soon. Sit down, my darling; I will not be gone a moment. If anyone comes to the door, step through the window and conceal yourself.”
Unlocking the door noiselessly he went out, turning the key after him.
Barely a minute elapsed before he was in the room again.
Warm though the night was he put on an overcoat and turned up the collar so that it hid the lower part of his face.
Locking the door after him, he came up to the table, poured out another glass of brandy-and-water, and got some biscuits.
“Come,” he said, “you must eat some of these. Put some in your pocket. And you must drink this, my poor darling, or you will be exhausted.”
She put back the glass and plate from her with a gesture of denial.
“I could not eat,” she said. “I do not want anything, and I shall not be exhausted. Let us go; this house makes me shudder,” and she moved to the window and passed out.
“Laura, my dear Laura,” murmured Stephen, in his most dulcet tones, “why are you angry with me?”