“Well, then, whenever you do come, you will find me waiting for you.”
“No, no; that will not be safe. I had forgotten the danger you are in. Do not come here at all—by daylight.—If you must, why, come after sunset. They will be at their cards and wine then.”
“And you?—you are sure to be here then?”
“’Tis the safest time. They will think me in my room—well, I may be here—to-morrow evening—if nothing prevents.”
“But why not this evening?”
“No. I will really go to my room this evening, as I did yesterday: they will take it as a matter of course afterwards. To-morrow evening, perhaps.”
“But ’tis so far away: so many hours must pass till then!” He still detained her hand, though she was at arm’s length to be gone.
“You will have the more time to reconsider—to resolve upon joining your friend, and not tarrying here longer at the risk of your life.”
“What, do you still wish me to go at once?”
“If you should be taken!—if you should have to meet the fate—oh, I dare not think of it! How can I wish you to stay, when I think of the danger?”