“Oh, heaven, yes!—the danger you are in! How do you intend to save yourself? Are you not risking your life by remaining in England?”
“Pray don’t be alarmed on that score: I have the means of leaving England when the time comes.”
“When the time comes? When will that be? What is it that delays you?”
He was not prepared with an answer. “Why,—ah—you must know my friend has some matters to settle before he leaves;—we are to sail together, when he is ready.”
“Then you should have remained together. Why did you leave him? If what you said is true, you have interrupted your flight—to see me.”
“You are worthy of a far greater compliment than that,” said he, as gallantly as the confusion he felt in her presence allowed him to speak.
“But if danger came to you through this, how I should have to reproach myself! Oh, I beg you, follow your friend: overtake him. Lose no time: now that you have thanked me, go—go quickly!”
“And have you the heart to send me away when I have but just found you?”
“Nay, if your life were not at stake—no, I mean not that. I ought not to talk with you—I ought not to stay here.”
Trembling, she made to retreat, but he gently interposed.