“All this, and much more, he poured forth in a torrent of words, to which I only replied by tears.
“He went on rapidly explaining, lest we should be interrupted before he got through. He told me that all was arranged for our flight. That Anglesea would help us and keep our secret.
“‘Madame!’ I whispered, as my quick ears heard a footstep on the hall outside.
“‘Meet me on the pier—four o’clock this afternoon. Come without fail, if you care to save me from selfdestruction!’ he hastily whispered, as he arose and resumed his seat.
“It was not madame who entered, however; it was Miss Murray.
“She bowed stiffly to the Italian, and then glanced searchingly around the room. Seeing no one present but Saviola and myself—realizing that we were tête-à-tête—she frowned and sharply demanded:
“‘Where is madame?’
“‘She has just left the room,’ I replied.
“‘Very improper, very irregular, most reprehensible! I shall write to-day,’ she said, as she sat down bolt upright on the chair nearest us.
“Miss Murray was a conscientious woman, and she did her duty; there was no doubt of that! but her words and her threatened action decided me.