A feeling of helplessness possessed her. She rested her forehead on her crossed wrists and tried to think of something she could do.
[XXXVI]
Nance heard the sound of hammering below, and it connected itself in her mind with some vague idea that the house was being barricaded against attack. She was still leaning her crossed arms on the window-sill when she heard De Rothan's knock.
She went out to him with Jeremy's packet hidden under her bodice. She had torn off the sealed end and just folded the paper over so that the powder could be emptied out quickly.
There was a gaiety about De Rothan that baffled her. It was not unlike the insolent sprightliness of an aristocrat passing to the guillotine.
"Your father refuses to dine with us to-night."
"He is not ill?"
"Only in temper. You will not grudge me a little kindness."
"No. Besides, I am hungry."
He laughed, and offered her his arm.