Beatrice started to her feet. "Is he not ill?"
"He never was better in all his life. Pardon the ruse that was used to bring you here, but I knew well that you wouldn't come of your own free will."
"Allow me to go away," said Beatrice, walking towards the door,
"When we have had a talk and understand one another--not before," said Ruck, rising and standing before the fireplace. He was still smiling and bland and genial, and looked very spruce in his well-cut clothes. It was difficult to imagine such a man in such a room, when one recollected the vile neighbourhood.
"You will not dare to detain me against my will?"
"Oh yes, if it be necessary," said Ruck easily; "but I trust"--with a graceful bow--"that it will not be necessary."
"If you keep me here, my landlady in Kensington has the address of this place and will tell the police."
"I fear the police will waste their time, Miss Hedge. The address was a wrong one, with which Waterloo was purposely furnished."
"The address was Stepney----"
"But not Malta Street. This is in a different locality. Come, Miss Hedge, you must see that you are in my power. But I am a gentleman, so do not be afraid."