“In any case,” she said, “it would be exceedingly difficult to arrange a meeting. Frankly, I don't see how you can help us, and there is only a week left.”
As she said this her eyes again filled with tears, and she clasped her hands with a despairing gesture.
“That there is only a week left,” persisted Westerham, “is all the more reason why I should be made acquainted with the facts at once.”
Kathleen, however, only shook her head and moaned a little to herself.
Westerham did his best to console her, and she then told him that she proposed to return to London by the afternoon's mail. Immediately on arriving in town, however, she would have to set out for Trant Hall, as the Premier was giving a dance there on the following night.
“I trust,” said Westerham, “that you will at least permit me to see you safely home. It is not at all advisable that you should travel without an escort. I have every reason to be fearful on your account.”
Kathleen thanked him, but declined his offer of help.
“There is nothing,” she said, “to prevent your travelling in the same train or the same boat; and if you think it advisable, I shall be grateful to you for doing so. But I must implore you not to speak to me or to make any sign that you know me between here and London.
“Matters have grown doubly bad since this morning. I have not only to fear the spies of Melun, but the agents of the Russian Government. Between the two I am afraid I shall have but little peace.”
Having said this, she rose and held out her hand to bid Westerham good-bye.