Pale with rage, he thrusts his hand into his breast and withdraws the missing memorandum-book.
Lady Vera's face lights up at that sight.
"So you did have it," she cries out, quickly. "You are a thief as well as an abductor of helpless women! Oh, for shame, for shame!"
His face grows black as night.
"As you are in my power, you would do well to moderate your language," he answers, in the low tone of bitter rage. "Beware how you transform my love to hate!"
"I fear neither your love nor your hate," Countess Vera answers, dauntlessly.
"Perhaps you will pay a heavier ransom for this book than you would have done simply for your freedom—will you not?"
"Is the same ransom required?" she asks, regarding him steadily.
"Yes."
"I would purchase no earthly boon at so terrible a price," Countess Vera answers, shuddering.