“I’m not afraid of him,” she thought, “and I hate him with all my heart. It is only waiting till we stop, and then the tables will be turned.”
“Ah, that’s more sensible,” came through the thick cloak. “Promise to be patient and not call out, and I will take off the cloak.”
It was very hot. She could hardly breathe, but she dreaded having it removed till she recalled how dark it was; that it must be even darker, shut up in the chaise, and that she had on her large lace mantilla, with which she could well cover her face.
“Shall I take off the cloak?” was said, after they had stopped and changed horses; and, feeling that she must have air, she made a gesture with her hands, passing them up towards her face as she felt the great cloth-covering partly removed, and, as it was drawn away, carefully covering her face and neck with the scarf.
“At last!” exclaimed her companion, trying to pass his arm round her, but she struck at him so fiercely that he desisted, and just then the chaise slackened speed.
“What is it?” he cried, gripping his prisoner’s arm with one hand, as he leaned forward and let down a front window.
“Like us to go on as fast as this, Captain? Road’s getting a bit hilly.”
“Yes, and faster, you fools. On, quick! What’s that?”
“Sounds like horses, sir, coming on behind.”
“Oh, not after us, but go on as fast as you can.”