“You’ll see,” he said. “Time’s running out. There’s one other tiling I want to say: you’re the only girl who’s ever been kind to me — ever, and I love you for it. You’ve given me more happiness in the short while we’ve been together than I’ve ever had in my life.”
While he was speaking, Conrad came across the lawn towards them, and Pete abruptly turned away and walked quickly to the house. Three of his guards went after him. By the time he had reached the entrance to the hunting lodge, they
were close on his heels.
Frances sat staring after Pete, her face a little pale, and her eyes troubled. She didn’t look up as Conrad joined her.
“What’s wrong, Miss Coleman?” he asked. “You look worried.”
She looked up then.
“He doesn’t believe he is safe.”
“I know.” Conrad sat down beside her and lit a cigarette. “He’s a neurotic type. After he’s been here a few weeks, he’ll begin to realize just how safe he is. It’s an extraordinary thing what suggestion will do. He’s so convinced Maurer is all-powerful that no amount of persuasion can make him think otherwise. But don’t worry about him. He’ll be all right.”
She looked at him gratefully. His quiet voice gave her confidence.
“Will I be all right too?”