"But what can we do at this late hour! Everything is prepared, arranged for; even the minister has arrived, and is waiting."
She stood before him, her hands clasped, trembling from head to foot, yet with eyes determined.
"Will you delay action a few moments, and send Captain Le Gaire to me? I--I must see him alone."
He hesitated, avoiding her eyes and permitting his glance to wander about the room.
"Please do this for me."
"But in your present mood--"
"I am perfectly sane," and she stood straight before him, insistent, resolute. "Indeed I think I know myself better than for months past. I shall say nothing wrong to Captain Le Gaire, and if he is a gentleman he will honor me more for my frankness. Either you will send him here to me, or else I shall go to him."
The major bowed with all the ceremony of the old school, convinced of the utter futility of further argument.
"You will have you own way; you always have," regretfully. "I shall request the captain to join you here."