“What was the object of your visit? Surely you can explain that?”
“No. I cannot.”
“You absolutely refuse?”
“Absolutely,” she answered, in a low, strained voice, looking straight at me with an expression of determination.
“Then we must part,” I said, slowly but firmly disengaging myself from her embrace.
“No, no,” she wailed, sobbing bitterly and clinging more closely to me. “Do not be so cruel, Geoffrey. You would never utter these words could you know all.”
“But you will not tell me,” I cried.
“At present I dare not. Wait; be patient, and you shall know everything.”
“How long must I remain in doubt and ignorance?” I asked.
“I know not. To-morrow the bond of secrecy may be removed from my lips, or it may be many months ere I can fearlessly speak and explain,” she answered in a strange voice, almost as if speaking to herself.