“Perhaps it startled him, ma’am, and he sprang to a false conclusion. Whatever be the answer, upon my honor I do not believe you to be in any danger!” There was a pause, while she eyed him uncertainly. His countenance relaxed and he said, “Indeed, my poor child, you have had an uncomfortable time of it at Highnoons and I am a villain to keep you here. Shall I take you and Miss Beccles up to the Hall?”
The color rushed into her cheeks at this. She had the oddest desire to burst into tears, and sought refuge in one of her rallying speeches. “What, and leave that creature to ransack the house at will? No, indeed! I hope I am a little better spirited than that, sir! If I am to be martyred in this cause, no doubt it was so ordained, and I can depend on you for a handsome tombstone!”
“Indeed you can!” he replied smiling and putting out his hand? “It is a bargain then, and you will stay here.”
She laid her hand in his. “It is a bargain. But for how long am I to endure that creature abovestairs?”
“I should not wonder at it if you were to be rid of him sooner than you expect. I beg you will not tease yourself with thinking of him.”
Her eyes searched his face. “But will he go without what he came for, sir?”
“I hope he may be prevailed upon to do so.”
“Shall you so prevail upon him?” she asked,
“Perhaps. I shall do my possible. You have been troubled with him for too long.”
She agreed to it, but added after a moment’s reflection, “And yet if he does so, who can tell what horrors may next be in store for me?”