She raised her hand with an imperious gesture, describing a semicircle, while I stood aghast watching her.
“I have commanded!” she said a moment later, in that curious far-off tone. “At this instant the change is effected. She no longer loves that man who came between you!”
“And she loves me?” I cried, incredible that she could at will effect such changes in the affections of any person. Truly her power was demoniacal.
“Yes,” she answered. “She will be penitent.”
“And she will come to me?”
“Wait in patience,” the mysterious woman answered. “You must allow time for the thoughts of regret now arising within her to mature. When they have done so, then will she seek your forgiveness.”
“Why have you done me this service, Aline?” I asked, utterly mystified. “It is a service which I can never repay.”
“We are friends,” she responded simply. “Not enemies.”
Then for the first time the terrible thought flashed upon me that by making the agreement I had made with her I might be aiding the murderer of poor Roddy to escape. She had set a seal upon my lips.
Next day was Sunday, and as Jack Yelverton had not called upon me, and I did not know his address, I suddenly, early in the evening, resolved to go down to Walworth and see whether I could find him.