"You can't stay here," she said. "Go."
He stretched out his hands.
"Then you shall come with me. That's the scheme. Been in the back of my head all along. We'll show a clean pair of heels. Time something definite happened. Bella!—you know—how I love you."
A slight impediment, unfamiliar to the startled woman, made itself noticeable in his voice. His control was limited. Already his true condition disclosed itself. Fear as powerful as that which had greeted his stealthy approach returned to her eyes.
"You know I won't come with you, Freddy. Perhaps later things will be arranged. John and I had a talk to-night."
His face worked evilly.
"He had a talk with me, too," he said. "It's come to a showdown. No use talking about waiting, Bella. It's now or never. You've held me off too long. Got to choose. We love each other."
He advanced. She stepped behind the table.
"Don't come any nearer, Freddy. What's the matter with you?"
He laughed.