'Yes.' I bowed my head. 'I doubt you altogether.'
'And you do not think Sir Hubert is here?'
'I do not know. I do not know anything. Allow me to see him—allow me only to see him for one minute—and then, then, if I see him here, in your power, and if you will vow that you will not only liberate him but also send him safely across to Holland, I will consent to do as you wish.'
'To marry me.'
'Yes.'
Sir Claudius looked hideously triumphant.
'It won't be such a bad bargain,' he said, leering at me.
I shuddered. But then, next instant, derived hope from the reflection that if he could not show me Sir Hubert Blair it would be because he lied in saying Sir Hubert was a prisoner in his dungeon, moreover I should then be free from my promise.
This hope was dashed, however, by Sir Claudius saying—
'Very well. You shall see Sir Hubert—not to speak to, mind—but you shall see him. I will go now, and return for you in half an hour. Will that satisfy you?'