“No,” she protested. “I can tell you nothing—absolutely nothing.”
“You prefer, then, that we should be put asunder rather than answer my questions?”
“I cannot leave Italy with you,” she answered simply but harshly.
“Not if we were to marry in England as soon as the legal formalities can be accomplished?”
“I am ready to marry you here—to-day if you desire,” she said. “But I shall not go to London.”
“Why?”
“I have reasons—strong ones,” she answered vehemently.
“Then your enemies are in London?” he said quickly. “Are they English?”
At that instant the door-bell rang loudly, and both listened intently as Margherita answered the somewhat impetuous summons. There were sounds of low talking, and a few moments later the servant, pale-faced and scared, entered the room, saying—
“Signorina! There are two officers of police in the house, and they wish to speak with you immediately.”