“May I ask why ‘too well’?”
She raised her head. “How could I, sir, knowing that his parents would do anything in their power to prevent such a marriage? How could I let him stoop to my level? I am not of his world, though Sir Giles Challoner is my grandfather. Please do not let us speak any more of this! My mind is made up; my one dread now is that his lordship may pursue me to this place.”
“I can safely promise you, my dear, that while you remain under my protection you are in no danger from Lord Vidal.”
The words were hardly out of his mouth when the sound of voices outside came to Miss Challoner’s ears. She grew very white, and half rose from her chair. “Sir, he has come!” she said, trying to be calm.
“So I apprehend,” he said imperturbably.
Miss Challoner cast a frightened look round. “You promised I should be safe, sir. Will you bide me somewhere? We must be quick!”
“I still promise that you shall be safe,” he replied. “But I shall certainly not hide you. Let me recommend you to be seated once more ... Come in!”
One of the inn servants came in looking rather scared, and firmly shut the door. “Milor’, there is a gentleman outside demands to see the English lady. I told him she was supping with an English milor’, and he spoke through his teeth, thus: ‘I will see this English milor’,’ he said. Milor’, he has the look of one about to do a murder. Shall I summon milor’s own servants?”
“Certainly not,” said milor’. “Admit this gentleman.”
Miss Challoner put out her hand impulsively. “Sir, I beg you will not! If my lord is in one of his rages I cannot answer for what he may do. I have a great alarm lest your years should not protect you from his violence. Is there no way I can escape from this room unseen?”