"Is there anything I can do for you, John?" she asked so that he could barely hear her.
"You can help me to get away—if you will." John Darche's eyes fell before hers.
She gazed at him during several seconds, hesitating, perhaps, between her sense of justice and her desire to be faithful to her husband to the very end.
"Yes, I will," she said briefly.
Before she spoke again she turned quite naturally, as though in hesitation, and satisfied herself that the three men were out of hearing. Vanbrugh, perhaps suspecting what was taking place, had engaged them in conversation near the door.
"How?" she asked, looking at John again. "Tell me quickly."
"Presently, when my father comes, get as many people as you can. Let me be alone for a moment. Make some confusion, upset something, anything will do. Give me a chance to get through the door into the library."
"I will try. Is that all?"
"Thank you," said John Darche, and for one moment a look of something like genuine gratitude passed over his hard face. "Yes, that is all. You will be glad to get rid of me."
Marion looked one moment longer, hesitated, said nothing and turned away.