There was a pause, a scuffle. Then:
“Sandy, you are hurting me!”
“All right, don’t struggle then. Listen. I’m going away for two weeks. You promise if Northrup comes home, during that time, to tell him?”
“Yes; yes, dear,” the words came pantingly smothered. “All right, and if you don’t, I will! I’m not the kind to see a woman sacrifice herself for duty. By the Lord! Northrup shall know from you––or me! Now kiss me!”
There were the hurried steps––down the side stairs! Then flying ones to the library––the maid was on her way with her message––but Northrup dashed past her, nearly knocking her over.
He strode heavily to the library door, which had been left open, and stood there. A devil rose in him as he gazed at the girl, a bit dishevelled, but lovely beyond words.
For a moment, smiling and cruel, he thought he would let her incriminate herself; he would humiliate her and then fling her off. But this all passed like a blinding shock.
Kathryn had turned at his approach. She stood at bay. He frightened her. Had he heard? Or was it mad passion that held him? Had he just come to the house refusing to be announced?
“Brace! Brace!” she cried, her lovely eyes widening. “You have come.”