"But the others. You told----"
"It was merely to gain time. They are far away. We can reach them. It was you that I was thinking of--you--all the time. You--out there on the roof. All that I wanted was for him to go away so that you would not be discovered. I did it to save you----"
"To save me--you!"
"I threw him off his guard. He believes that you are gone. You shall escape now,--I too--we will escape to freedom--in a few days it will be arranged. Herr Markov and the Fräulein will come to no harm even if they are found. He promised. You heard?"
"I've heard enough. Let me go."
He shook himself free of her but she seized him again.
"No--you shall not go. I did what I could to save you. I told him as little ... merely that they had gone upon the road ... that was all. His eyes were burning into my brain, Philippe. He compelled me. He may not find them. And even if he does, he will not harm them. It is only the money of Nemi that he wants. That will satisfy him. Let the money go. What does it matter now? I do not want the money--I only want--you, Philippe. In a few days I will get you passports and we will leave together. Not tonight, Philippe--wait. I will explain----"
"Out of my way----"
He had pulled the door open and thrust her aside. She stumbled and fell to her knees, still clinging to him.
"I will not--let you go. You will be killed. Just a moment. Listen to me, Philippe. I swear to you that you have misunderstood. I did not---- Oh God!"