"When I was ill you used me for your own base schemes," she went on with cutting emphasis. "And you—you followed me here. Do you think that I am unprotected, and that you are dealing only with an old man and a helpless woman? Why, I have friends who would come in and kill you if I but raised my voice!"
"Raise your voice, mademoiselle. I am ready for your friends," I answered.
She looked less steadily at me and seemed to waver.
"What have you come for?" she asked. "Have you not had money enough? Do you want more?"
I seized her by the wrists. Thus I held her at arm's length, and my fingers tightened until I saw the flesh grow white beneath them. The intensity of my rage beat hers down and made it a puny thing.
"Jacqueline! You take me for an adventurer?" I cried. "Is that what they told you? Why do you think I brought you so near your home when you were, as you said, helpless? Only a few nights ago you said you loved me; that you would never send me away until I wished to go. What is it that has happened to change you so, Jacqueline?"
I had her in my arms. She struggled fiercely, and I let her go.
"How dare you, monsieur!" she panted. "Go at once, or I shall call for aid!"
So I went into the passage; and as I left the room I could still hear the hellish click of the ivory ball in the roulette-wheel. I was utterly confounded.
But before I reached the end of the little hall Jacqueline came running back to me.