An angry flush of shame crossed Marie's brow. 'He never cared for me--the traitor. And I hate him.'
Menotah turned. 'So; she who was your wife before your own people has nothing for you but hatred.' Then she picked up the key, which Lamont had dropped in his sudden fright. 'It is time,' she said quietly, then unlocked the door and threw it wide open. She cast aside the cloak, while the knife glittered as she stretched forth her arm. 'You may pass if you wish.'
He was stupefied at this new move, and wondered at her meaning. Beyond he could see the lamp light flickering in the hall, and further, half hidden in shadow, the dim outline of the outer door. In that direction lay liberty. How simple it was! A quick bound forward, two or three steps, and life would be his again.
But then the cold voice struck on his ears again,--
'First I will warn you. As you pass I shall strive to wound you. A touch with this knife is death.'
He stood irresolutely, while a contemptuous smile broke over Marie's white countenance.
He gazed from the open door to that terrible window, where the dreaded power of justice perhaps even then lay concealed.
He tried to nerve himself for the act. With a single motion of his hand he might hurl the slight girl from the door; with one blow of his powerful fist he could paralyse that arm. But she was quick, and fearfully determined. The risk was too great.
'Coward!' she burst forth in a first expression of passion. 'I am but a weak woman--how weak you can hardly tell. But even for your liberty you will not attack me, for the gift of your life you dare not pass me.'
There was silence, until the splashing of heavy raindrops on the shingle could be distinctly heard.
'Hark! there are other sounds than the rain and the thunder.'
'I hear footsteps,' said Marie, in a barely intelligible voice.
Menotah barred the doorway with a trembling arm. 'Your chance is gone,' she said, yet with a peculiar deliberation. 'You know why these men have come. You do not deserve to live, for you have been false to everyone. They will take you with them, and treat you as they did Riel. They will hang you as they did him.'
She fell back as she spoke against the wall, while the hot breath choked her.