“You are seeking someone?”
“Yes,” Ludovic answered, eyeing her suspiciously. For the natural thought in both men’s minds was that she was there as a spy.
“The ladies who came hither with you last night?” she pursued in the cold, even voice of intense repression. A moment’s reflection told Ludovic that there was nothing to be gained by concealment or evasion.
“Yes,” he said. “We have been unaccountably separated from them.”
She gave a low, harsh laugh. “Unaccountably! You do not know your late host, then. It would have been indeed strange if you had been allowed to leave this place together.”
The bitterness with which she spoke was so intense that it seemed to wring the words from her. But it prompted Ludovic to take confidence.
“Then,” said he, “my worst fears are true. The ladies have been kidnapped and are imprisoned in the castle.”
With a scornful smile she bowed her head in assent.
“And you think, in your simplicity, to get them out. You, who would be killed like a couple of troublesome wasps if you were seen prowling about here.”
“Better that prospect, madam, than be the cowards to run away.”