“A moment afterward I had taken it from her hand and thrown it into a corner.
“‘Very well done!’ I said. ‘What a pity that you use such indifferent caps! Your pistol is as harmless as your tea!’
“She uttered a hoarse cry, but did not recoil in the least, Surry! This woman was a curiosity. Instead of retreating from me, she clenched her small white hand, raised it above her head, and exclaimed:—
“‘If he only were here!’
“‘He, madam?’ I said. ‘You refer to your respected brother—to Mr. Mortimer?’
“‘Yes! he would make you repent your cowardly outrages and insults.’
“I looked at my watch, it was just eleven.
“‘The hour is earlier than I thought, madam,’ I said, ‘but perhaps he has already arrived.’
“And advancing to the side of the lady, I took her arm, drew her toward the window, and said:—
“‘Why not give your friend the signal you have agreed on, madam?’