'For the love of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too late!' "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way.

I thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me.

Was it all to go for nothing?
Why should I slink away without having carried out my commission, and without the payment which was my due?
This woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac.

With a stout bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention of remaining where I was.

She was about to renew her entreaties when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps was heard upon the stairs.