In a moment I had him by the collar, and was presenting a pistol at his head.
"No nonsense!" I whispered. "Off with them!"
He might have known I would not shoot him in his wife's presence; but I could and would have undressed him with my own hands. Perhaps he guessed this.
I released him, and he took off his coat.
The train began to slacken speed. I called to Lady Daynesborough, who rejoined us.
"You have fulfilled your promise," said I to the young man. "And," I added, turning to her, "I have fulfilled mine. Good-night!"
I opened the door, and jumped out as we entered the station. I stood waiting till the train started again, but Lord Daynesborough remained in his place. I wonder what passed on that journey. She was a plucky girl, and I can only trust she gave him what he deserved. At any rate, he never, so far as I heard, ran away again.
I asked my way to the villa, and reached it after half an hour's walking. I did not go in by the lodge gates, but climbed the palings, and reached the door by way of the shrubberies. I knocked softly. A man opened the door instantly. He must have been waiting.
I did not know his voice, and it was dark in the passage.
"There is one in the pantry," he answered, leading the way.
We reached the pantry, and he turned to light the gas.
Looking at me in the full blaze, he started back, then scrutinized me closely, then exclaimed:
"Oh, yes, I am! I am Lord Daynesborough."
"I am Lord Daynesborough--Lord Daynesborough--Lord Daynesborough."
At each repetition I advanced a step nearer; at the last I produced my trusty pistol, at the same time holding out a bank-note in the other hand.
"You will stay here," I said, "for the next two hours. You will not come out, whatever happens. Is there anyone else in the house?"
"One maid, Milord, and a man in the stables."
I made him direct me to the room, and left him. I thought I would neglect the maid, and go straight to work. I went up to the door to which I had been directed, and knocked.
"Come in!" said the gentle, childlike voice.
I went in. The princess was lying on a sofa by the fire, reading a paper-covered book. She turned her head with a careless glance.
"Ah, you have come! Well, I almost hoped you would be afraid. I really don't want you."