"I know how noble, how unselfish you are," she continued, lifting her brimming eyes to his. "But your life is not your own. We must both remember that."
"Both? Anita, is it possible that you----"
"Hush! I have said too much. Let me go," she cried, for Cyril had seized her hand and was covering it with kisses.
At this moment the door-handle rattled. Cyril and Anita moved hurriedly away from each other.
Peter's face had resumed its usual stolid expression. He appeared not to notice that his master and the latter's guest were standing in strained attitudes at opposite ends of the room.
"I can't see him." Cyril motioned Peter impatiently away.
"Why didn't you see the inspector?" exclaimed Anita. "This is the best time for me to give myself up."
He was interrupted by the reappearance of Peter.
"The inspector is very sorry, my lord, but he has to see you at once, 'e says."
"It is no use putting it off," Anita said firmly. "I insist on your seeing him. If you don't, I shall go down and speak to him myself."
Cyril did not know what to do. He could not argue with her before Peter. So turning to the latter, he said:
"You can bring him up in ten minutes--not before. You understand?"
"Anita," implored Cyril, as soon as they were again alone, "I beg you not to do this thing. If a plan that I have in mind succeeds, you will be able to leave the country and begin life again under another name."
She listened attentively, but when he had finished she shook her head.
"I will not allow you to attempt it. If your fraud were discovered--and it would surely be discovered--your life would be ruined."
"I tell you I will not hear of it. No, I am determined to end this horrible suspense. Call the inspector."
"I entreat you at all events to wait a little while longer."
Cyril was almost frantic. The minutes were slipping past. Was there nothing he could say to turn her from her purpose?
"My wife is here. If she should hear, if she should know--" he began tentatively.
He was amazed at the effect of his words.
"Why didn't you tell me that she was here?" exclaimed Anita with flashing eyes. "Of course, I haven't the slightest intention of involving her in my affairs. I will go at once."
"But you can't leave the house without Griggs seeing you, and he would certainly guess who you are. Stay in the next room till he is gone, that is all I ask of you. Here, quick, I hear footsteps on the stairs."