“I heard none mentioned, Madame.”
“And a purpose in that also to my mind. This gives them twenty-four hours in which to consummate murder. They fear De Tonty and his men may attempt 337 rescue; ’tis to find out the three have gone now to his quarters. That is all, Jules; you had best not be seen talking here with me.”
I closed the door, and dropped the bar securely into place. I knew the worst now, and felt sick and faint. Tears would not come to relieve, yet it seemed as though my brain ceased working, as if I had lost all physical and mental power. I know not how long I sat there, dazed, incompetent to even express the vague thoughts which flashed through my brain. A rapping on the door aroused me. The noise, the insistent raps awoke me as from sleep.
“Who wishes entrance?”
“I––Cassion; I demand speech with you.”
“For what purpose, Monsieur?”
“Mon Dieu! Does a man have to give excuse for desiring to speak with his own wife? Open the door, or I’ll have it broken in. Have you not yet learned I am master here?”
I drew the bar, no longer with any sense of fear, but impelled by a desire to hear the man’s message. I stepped back, taking refuge behind the table, as the door opened, and he strode in, glancing first at me, then suspiciously about the apartment.
“You are alone?”
“Assuredly, Monsieur; did you suspect others to be present?”