Chester’s mind was made up on the instant, and he turned to Isabel.
“Heaven bless you for this!” he cried passionately. “I cannot explain now, only that it is a case of great emergency. Take Miss Clareborough with you, and keep her until I write or come. I do not deserve this at your hands, but your presence here is like that of some good angel. You will take her home?”
“Yes,” she said softly, as she avoided his eyes.
“Listen, then,” he whispered anxiously.
“These people below have come in search of her, and she must not fall into their hands. I will go and keep, them in conversation, while you get her away at once.”
“I will,” replied Isabel, calmly.
“Heaven bless you!” he cried passionately, and then he turned to Marion, who looked quite exhausted.
“Go with her,” he said—“at once. You will be safe there until I come.”
“No,” she replied despairingly. “It would be better for you—for her—that we never meet again.”
He caught her hand in his.