"I know not that word. Wouldst cozen me? Hast another weapon in thy bodice? I'll look."
Before she could prevent him he seized her dress at the collar with both hands and, in spite of her efforts, by a violent wrench tore it open.
"No weapon there," he cried. "Ha! That brings at last the color to your pale cheek!" he added, as the rich red crimsoned the ivory of her neck and cheek at this outrage.
"Help, help!" she screamed. Her voice rang high through the apartment with indignant and terrified appeal.
"Call again," laughed Morgan.
"Kill me, kill me!" she begged.
"Nay, you must live to love me! Ho! ho!" he answered, taking her in his arms.
"Mercy! Help!" she cried in frenzy, all the woman in her in arms against the outrage, though she knew her appeal was vain, when, wonder of wonders——
"I heard a lady's voice," broke upon her ears from the other end of the room.
"De Lussan!" roared Morgan, releasing her and turning toward the intruder. "Here's no place for you. How came you here? I'd chosen this room for myself, I wish to be private. Out of it, and thank me for your life!"