Marie of Reist rose with a sudden swift movement from the sofa where she had been lying.
“I trust that my visit is not as unwelcome as it seems to be surprising,” he remarked, crossing the room towards her. “I am taking advantage——”
She held up her hand—a quick, impulsive gesture of silence.
“Hush!” she whispered. “Do not say another word. Follow me and tread lightly.”
He followed her into the circular stone wall, hung with ancient paintings, and where no light ever came save through those wonderful stained glass windows, the gift of an Emperor to Rudolph of Tyrnaus. They passed along a passage, up some stairs, and into a sitting-room. She closed the door softly, and stood for a moment with her hand still upon the handle, listening. Then, as all seemed quiet below, the fear passed from her eyes, and she smiled upon him.
“Are you mad to come here?” she asked, softly. “You ought not to show yourself in the streets. Do you not know that you are the most unpopular person in Theos?”
“I can assure you that I was not aware of it,” he answered. “In any case, who in this house would be likely to wish me harm?”
“You are quite safe here, I think,” she answered, ignoring his question. “My brother and some friends were in the next room down-stairs. I was afraid that they might hear your voice.”
He sat down on the sofa beside her.