[CHAPTER XXIX.]
Before Kingsley had an opportunity to reply, Miss Chandler had sprung by him and had caught Leonie's hand in an iron grasp.
"You must be mad!" she whispered hoarsely. "Think what you are doing! You lose every possible hope! There is no doubt but what we can escape if you will only help me. For God's sake keep your wits about you and do the thing you contemplate only when you are overpowered and forced to yield."
But Leonie had no idea of considering any such advice.
She perfectly realized there was not the shadow of a hope for them, and she wanted to preserve that marriage certificate.
She understood that it was but the copy of a record, and that she could prove her words without it; but it was the greatest saving of valuable time to keep what she had.
Besides, she had not looked at the name of the clergyman nor the witnesses, and they might be very hard to find.
Kingsley made no move whatever to intercept Miss Chandler.
He knew his power, and he allowed her, without interference, to talk to her companion as much as she chose, though every word that she uttered could be distinctly heard by him.
With a slow smile, though she was far from feeling in any degree mirthful, Leonie turned in his direction.