He whispered hoarsely: "It is enough. I understand you." Turning, he made his way towards the hall door like a man struggling against a crushing power, like a swimmer at the last gasp.
"Wait!" said Amy.
Reaching him, she held out the little shagreen case. "Something of yours that I wish to return to you," she said with dreadful meaning.
Greg shuddered. De Socotra dropped the case in his pocket.
At the foot of the stairs he paused again. Without looking at Amy he murmured: "Will you come back—and stay with mamma?"
"If I do not find Bianca there."
"I shall send her away at once."
"Very well. I shall be there to-night."
When the door closed behind him Greg burst out: "You cannot go! It is too horrible!"
"It must be gone through with," she murmured.