‘I never gave you a word.’
‘Do not interrupt me. I did suppose that your heart had surrendered to me. The delusion is over. The heart belongs to a vulgar village apothecary. That heart which I so treasured——’ his voice shook and broke, and Eve sobbed. ‘Who brought the police upon me?’ he went on. ‘It was you, whom I loved and trusted, you who possess an innocent face and a heart full of guile. And here I lie, your victim, in a living grave your cruel hands have scooped out for me in the rock.’
‘O—indeed, this mine was dug hundreds of years ago.’
He turned a reproachful look at her. ‘Why do you interrupt me? I speak metaphorically. You brought me to this, and if you have a spark of good feeling in your breast you will get me away from here.’
‘I will bring you the key as soon as the sun sets.’
‘That is right. I accept the token of penitence with gladness, and hope for day in the heart where the light dawns.’
‘I must go—I really must go,’ she said.
He bowed grandly to her, with his hand on his heart.
‘Come,’ said Watt. ‘I will help you over these rubbish heaps. You have had your two words.’
‘O stay!’ exclaimed Eve, ‘my ring! I came for that and I have not got it. I must indeed, indeed have it.’