Del Fence's fine instincts told him that for whatever cause she had come--and he guessed the cause well enough--he would get a firmer hold upon her consideration by appearing to be shocked at her imprudence.
Donna Tullia was nearly fainting with fright, and stood leaning against the wall of the passage.
"I thought--I--I must see you at once," she stammered.
"Not here," he answered, quickly.

"Go home at once; I will join you in five minutes.

It will ruin you to have it known that you have been here." Madame Mayer took courage at his tone.
"You must bring them--those papers," she said, hurriedly.

"Something dreadful has happened.

Promise me to come at once!" "I will come at once, my dear lady," he said, gently pushing her towards the door.