“For an hour past; for what reason did you leave the ballroom?”
With no purpose in my mind but to gain time in which to collect my thought and protect De Artigny from discovery, I made answer, assuming a carelessness of demeanor which I was far from feeling.
“Has it been so long, Monsieur?” I returned in apparent surprise. “Why I merely sought a breath of fresh air, and became interested in the scene without.”
La Barre stood motionless, just as he had risen to his feet at the first alarm, his eyes on my face, his heavy eyebrows contracted in a frown.
“I will question the young lady, Cassion,” he said sternly, “for I have interests here of my own. Mademoiselle!”
“Yes, Monsieur.”
“How long have you been behind that curtain?”
“Monsieur Cassion claims to have sought me for an hour.”
“Enough of that,” his voice grown harsh, and threatening. “You address the Governor; answer me direct.”