And if women have no consciences, I reflected, neither do they admit any debt to society. They are free lances, privateers: if they and their men are safe, society can fend for itself. But I did not speak my thoughts, as Norah sat down again and in the low, even voice of one who thinks aloud, resumed her story.
Again she described the last meeting she was to have with Dick on earth, again his arms clutched her immobile body, as Archie and his rifle emerged from the shadow of the ruined tower. So vivid were her words, I felt I was an eyewitness: I saw Dick start up; the barrel of the .420 wavered from Norah's breast to his; he fumbled with his gun....
The dusky voice had stopped in the middle of a word. I looked round to see what had interrupted her.
The natives detailed to tend the fire slept soundlessly at our feet, nothing stirred in the circle of the fire, there was even a lull in the noises of the night. Norah was staring straight in front of her and I understood that it was something her mind had seen that had arrested her.
'I'll do it,' she murmured, 'I can do it. I'm strong enough.'
And strong she looked. Despair had dropped from her like a garment, her face shone with courage. So must Kate Douglas have looked, who thrust her arm through the empty staples to bar the door, behind which whispered the murderers of her king.
So, her dark eyes moist but triumphant, must Norah Cleverly have looked the night in the Carpathians she saved the life she was so nearly to spoil.
In turns we watched, made plans and slept, until, about three next afternoon, Archie's temperature subsided and he fell into a quiet sleep.
Norah stood looking at the thin face. Then she drew me out of the tent. Did I think it safe for her to leave him for the afternoon, she asked? I must have looked astonished, for she laughed and said she was going into Abercorn.
It would be dark, I objected, by the time she got there.