Life, which a few months ago had been a cold and barren thing, was suddenly pressed to my lips, a fantastic, intoxicating mixture.

I had drawn enough poison into my veins.

I would have no more.

I swore it.
* * * * * I tried to leave the castle unnoticed, but the place was alive with servants.

One of them hurried up to me as I tried to reach my hat and coat.
"Her ladyship desired me to say that she was in the billiard-room, sir," he announced.
"Will you tell Lady Angela--" and then I stopped.