“Let me understand,” he said at last. “He stole her, you say, to make sure; and deserts her within a fortnight.”

“He says he meant to take her—”

“Do you believe that?”

Before I could answer, I saw Pasiance standing at the window. How long she had been there I don't know.

“Is it true that he is going to leave me behind?” she cried out.

I could only nod.

“Did you hear him your own self?”

“Yes.”

She stamped her foot.

“But he promised! He promised!”