If looks could kill, we should neither of us have reached the door; but Providence having fortunately arranged otherwise, Sangatte's murderous expression had no other effect beyond adding to my secret felicity. As we went out, I looked at him over my shoulder.
"I'll come back and have a chat with you, if you'll wait here, Sangatte," I said.
He made no answer, and I conducted Mercia into the conservatory, closing the somewhat unhappy-looking door behind me.
"Our acquaintance," I observed, "seems fated to be rather an exciting one."
"It seems fated," she returned, "that I should be under an obligation to you. I suppose the gods are amusing themselves at our expense."
I laughed contentedly. "I don't grudge them their fun," I said. "I was beginning to think you had gone home, and that our interesting little conversation would have to remain unfinished."
She stopped for a moment, and looked quickly round, as if to make sure that there was no one within hearing.
"I meant what I said," she whispered hurriedly. "Don't go to Woodford. I—I can't explain to you; indeed I am wrong even in warning you; but make some excuse to-morrow—don't go."
"If we went upstairs and found a couple of chairs," I suggested, "—perhaps—"
"No, no," she interrupted quickly. "I can't stay here any longer. Sir Henry is waiting to take me back; and, in any case, I could tell you nothing more."