She heard McTaggart's footsteps behind her, and threw the flash of a smile over her shoulder.

But her teeth were set tight.

The nails of her fingers were cutting into the palms of her hands.
Pierrot stood without moving.

He watched them as they disappeared into the edge of the forest, Nepeese still a few steps ahead of McTaggart.
Out of his breast rose a sharp breath.
"Par les milles cornes du diable!" he swore softly.

"Is it possible--that she smiles from her heart at that beast?
Non! It is impossible.