"You must not live another day with him," he exclaimed; "you will come to Deringham Hall. My mother will be only too glad to come and fetch you. It is not very cheerful there just now, but anything is better than leaving you with this man."
She looked at him curiously. Her eyes were soft with something which suggested pity, but resembled tears.
"No," she said, "that would not do at all. You must not think because I have been living with Mr. Sabin that I have no other relations or friends. I have a very great many of both, only it was arranged that I should leave them for a while. I can go back at any time; I am altogether my own mistress."
"Then go back at once," he begged her feverishly. "I could not bear to think of you living here with this man another hour. Have your things put together now and tell your maid. Let me take you to the station. I want to see you leave this infernal house, and this atmosphere of cheating and lies, when I do!"
Her lips parted into the ghost of a smile.
"I have not found so much to regret in my stay here," she said softly.
He held out his arms, but she eluded him gently.
"I hope," he said, "nay, I know that you will never regret it. Never! Tell me what you are going to do now?"
"I shall leave here this afternoon," she said, "and go straight to some friends in London. Then I shall make new plans, or rather set myself to the remaking of old ones. When I am ready, I will write to you. But remember again--I make no promise!"
"No, I shall not write to you. I am not going to give you my address even; you must be patient for a little while."
"You will not go away? You will not at least leave England without seeing me?"
"Not unless I am compelled," she promised, "and then, if I go, I will come back again, or let you know where I am. You need not fear; I am not going to slip away and be lost! You shall see me again."
"I hate letting you go," he said. "I hate all this mystery. When one comes to think of it, I do not even know your name! It is ridiculous! Why cannot I take you to London, and we can be married to-morrow. Then I should have the right to protect you against this blackguard."
She laughed softly. Her lips were parted in dainty curves, and her eyes were lit with merriment.