She looked at the clock, and said to herself that time was flying, and she must hasten to keep her appointment.
Again she counted over the money which Eugene had given her—the money that was to restore her little child to her—the money that was to purchase her freedom and end forever Royal Ainsley's persecutions.
"What would Eugene say if he knew all?" she asked herself, in great trepidation.
She trembled even at the thought of it.
Was she doing right in concealing the truth from Eugene Mallard?
She sprung from her chair and paced hurriedly up and down the room.
If Eugene knew all, he would certainly tell her that her path lay with Royal Ainsley, that his roof would shelter her no more. And now she could not part from him. Every fiber of her heart was woven about him.
She tried to look into the future; but, think what she would, the pictures presented frightened her.
Presently she paused before the window. Was it only her fancy, or did she hear the patter of rain-drops?