He shook his head.
"Not quite all," he objected. "I must, of course, have a promise from you that you will not interfere with Captain Aylmer's bonds in any way."
She nodded.
"Very well," she said laconically. "I promise."
Still Landon hesitated, his hand upon the door.
"And you?" he said suddenly, looking at his cousin. "You shall give me your word not to let her touch you."
Aylmer's eyes sparkled with rage.
"Have you not got her word, you dog!" he answered, and there was an intonation on the last syllable which seemed to sting even Landon's imperturbability. For he made a threatening step forward.
"By God, I'll show you where you are!" he cried. "You dare to give me your impudence, here?"
He stood looking down, his breath coming pantingly. His cheeks had become curiously patched; he gasped.