"Yes. The 'Blood-Red Demon,' you know. Didn't you see him go through the traps?"
Harding laughs, very much amused. "And you mean to threaten me with the 'Blood-Red Demon,' do you?"
"Oh, no," she responds gently, but again edging toward the door—"not threaten; but"—in a very conciliatory tone—"if you won't say what you come for and won't go away——"
"But I will," he says gravely.
"Will which?"
"Will both. I will say what I came for and then I will go away."
"I don't mean to be rude, you know," she puts in, softening.
"Nor I. Now I will tell you. I came because I could not possibly stay away—because you drew me toward you with an irresistible force——"
"I'm sure I didn't!" she protests indignantly.
"Unconsciously, of course. You may think me foolish—wild if you please. I can't help that. You will know better in time. I come to you saying not a wrong word, thinking not a wrong thought. There is nothing against me. At home I was a gentleman. I ask leave to visit you, respectfully as a friend, nothing more."