It was past midnight, but she felt no weariness, for she had slept through the afternoon. She was, in fact, feeling as well as ever she had felt. Just after the first horrid realization of her situation she had made up her mind to starve rather than accept of his hospitality; but soon she had perceived the absurdity of such a course.
“For goodness’ sake, be as sensible as you can,” she commanded herself. “You’ve got to keep fit and healthy, for you don’t know what you may have to do with your strength. And the food is of the best, perfectly cooked and beautifully served. So don’t try to pose as a persecuted heroine on the stage. You’ve been fearfully lucky, and this is only going to be a nasty little episode, which you’ll laugh at before long!”
All the same, she had a breakdown or two in spite of her brave words, and the time had passed very, very slowly. Now as she heard his step at the door, she moved herself to play a part.
Symington entered, closing the door behind him. He was in evening dress and cut a handsome figure in his way. His countenance was somewhat flushed; his eyes glistened rather unpleasantly. For various reasons he had delayed visiting his prisoner until now.
“I am sorry I could not come to see you sooner, Kitty,” he said, halting by the flower-decorated table, and resting his hand on the back of a chair. “This room,” he went on, “is not what I would have chosen for your reception, but it was the best I could do in the time. I have a fine house upstairs being prepared for—us. Still, I hope you have been fairly comfortable. You have only to ask for anything you want.” He paused, watching her.
Her eyes had never left the book; she appeared oblivious of his presence.
“Kitty,” he said, “will you kindly tell me if there is anything I can do.”
“You can go away,” she answered quietly, without moving.
He had prepared himself for an unkind reception. “There is something you must hear before I go,” he said. “And, Kitty, don’t trouble to try to make me lose my temper, because I’m not going to oblige you in that way. In any other way, you have only to ask.”
“Then if you must talk, please leave my name out.”