“Because I desire to give you a chance of life,” he rejoined. “If your intended victim escapes the fate you designed her, I will not denounce you. If she dies, you know your doom!”
“Do you think she will live?” asked Teresa.
“Her life hangs on a thread. But a few days—perhaps a few hours—will decide. For the present, I will keep your terrible secret, and screen you from suspicion. But only on the condition that you remain here, and abide the result of your dreadful crime. Attempt to fly, and I will instantly check you. Now you know my fixed determination.”
“And you will remain in constant attendance on Mildred?” she asked.
“I shall,” he replied. “And rest assured I shall do my best to save her.”
With this he left the room, taking the phial with him.
XVIII. DOCTOR SPENCER HAS AN INTERVIEW WITH CHETWYND.
While the terrible scene just described was taking place up-stairs, Chetwynd had quitted the breakfast-table and repaired to the library, where he proposed to have an interview with Doctor Spencer, after the latter had seen Mildred.