"Do you think that I am imbecile enough to call your bluff?" he demanded. "When I find you seriously in my way I shall crush you like this! Until then, my dear, you will prove mildly amusing. You interest me as I never thought to be interested again in a woman. Your eyes, your smile are branded upon my brain even as that brand is upon your cheek like a hand reaching out for the unattainable. You might set a man's blood on fire, sear his very soul and drive him to madness, but you would never bore him. Little, quiet, inscrutable mouse, with you beside him there is nothing that a man who gambles with life might not win!"
"You talk in riddles, Mr. Wolvert." Betty disengaged her arm and stepped back from the savage light in his empassioned eyes. "Your opinion of me is flattering, but if you are detaining me for further expression of it, I must beg leave to continue on my way to the house."
"You may go when you have answered one question: what is your game? I knew from the moment I saw you that you were superior to the position you chose to occupy, but not until I encountered you in the library did I guess the truth. How much do you know? Are you a free lance or in someone's pay?"
"If I had an ulterior motive in entering Mrs. Atterbury's service, is it likely that I would make a confident of you whether you are her ally or a traitor?" Betty shrugged. "Your attitude is a matter of absolute indifference to me; why should I reply to your questions?"
"Because you may find me useful." He came close to her once more. "What is it you desire within those walls that you court danger to obtain? Perhaps I can get it for you. What is your purpose? It may be that I can aid in its accomplishment. Traitor or not, I am at your service!"
"But why?" A swift thrill of fear darted through her, and she glanced about, but the tall bushes ringed them on all sides and they seemed as isolated as in a wilderness. "Suppose that another purpose actuated me than to fulfill the duties for which I was engaged—and I do not for a moment admit that there is any truth in your wild assertion—why should you offer me your aid? Why should you, Mrs. Atterbury's guest and friend, conspire with one you profess to regard as a deceitful and dishonest servant?"
"Because you have driven me mad!" He seized her, dragging her into a half-savage embrace. "Because I want you as I've never wanted any other woman!"
"Let me go!" Betty panted struggling with all her strength, but her heart sank within her for no help could reach her from the house and her efforts to free herself were unavailing against the man's brute grasp.
He laughed exultantly and drew her closer.
"'Little Mouse,' I called you; Little Wild-Cat! But I'll tame you, or break you with my hands! What I want I take, and you're mine, do you understand; you're mine!"