“But the law would punish them.”
“No, it would not,” she responded, shaking her head gravely. “They would contrive an ‘accident.’”
“Well,” I said, “he has evaded them, and we must be thankful for that. Do you expect to hear from him?”
“Yes,” she replied, “I shall probably receive a message to-night. That is why I wish to remain, Owen. I wonder,” she added rather hesitatingly, “I wonder whether you would consider it very strange of me if I asked you to let me go out to-night at ten o’clock alone?”
“Well, I rather fear your going out alone and unprotected at that hour, darling,” I responded.
“Ah! have no fear whatever for me. I shall be safe enough. They will not attempt anything just now. I am quite confident of that. I—I want to go forth alone, for an hour or so.”
“Oh, well, if it is your distinct wish, how can I refuse, dear?”
“Ah!” she cried, putting her arm fondly about my neck, “I knew you would not refuse me. I shall go out just before ten, and I will be back long before midnight. You will excuse my absence, won’t you?”
“Certainly,” I said. And thus it was arranged.
Her request, I admit, puzzled me greatly, and also caused me considerable fear. My past experience had aroused within me a constant phantom of suspicion.