In desperation she cast about for means to climb out of it.

The secrecy of this meeting--that must go.

But, even so, was there escape?
The bell?
Before she could be half-way across the room, he would be holding her in his arms.

A cry?
Before it was half uttered, he would have stifled her mouth.

No, she must sit very still and provoke no movement by him.
Mario Escobar was a creature of unhealthy refinements.