“That I must this day again receive your promise to exert no contrivance for your escape from me. At twelve to-day your word expired.”
“Oh!” cried Ada. “Then I was free?”
“No,” said Gray, “you were not free! I knew that if you meditated escape, you would seize the first moment! I watched this house from twelve till two. Then as you came not forth, I knew I was safe.”
“And you departed?”
“I did.”
Had Jacob Gray watched another hour he would have seen Maud hunted to the old house.
“Your promise, girl,” he cried. “Before we part to-night I must have your solemn promise!”
“On the same condition,” said Ada, “to preserve that life which God has given me, I will give you my promise.”
“Be it so,” said Gray.
“Then in the name of Heaven, I promise from, one month from now that if aid come not to me—if no one comes here to take me hence, and offer me liberty, I will remain a prisoner! So help me Heaven!”