"But surely," I said, "you can go into your own room to pack your things."
This proposition evidently troubled her.
"No," she said after an instant's pause. "Doris Lorrimer is in my room."
"And what if she is? She can't prevent your packing your own things?"
"She can, and she will. Oh, Mike," she continued bitterly, "you don't knowyou can't understand. Doris Lorrimer is under Connie's control, just as I have been. Connie seems to have some extraordinary power over her. She does everything Connie tells her to, and Connie has told her not to let me goto retain my belongings if I attempt to leave."
"But a moment ago Mrs. Stapleton told you to goshe said she had done with you; I heard her myself."
"She doesn't mean it. I am terrified of her now, Mike; I want to get away from her, but I daren't. If I go, something awful will happen to meI know it will!"
Though I had long suspected it, only now did I realize the fearful hold that this woman had obtained over Dulcie, who seemed hardly able any longer to exercise her will. This, I knew, must in a measure be the result of the woman's having hypnotized her. My mind was made up in a moment.
"Dulcie," I exclaimed firmly, "you are coming with me to-nightyou understand? To-nightwhether you take your things or not is not of consequence. I'll see to everything. Don't return to your room. Don't see Mrs. Stapleton again. Come with menow."
Albeury appeared in the passage. Seeing us, he approached.