But as she turned, there came a second attack on the door, so loud, so persistent, so furious, that she faltered, remembering that the duplicate key of Basterga's chamber was in her mother's room, and that she must mount to the top of the house for it.
He saw her hesitation, and, shaken by the face which had looked in out of the night, and which still might be watching his movements, his resolution gave way.

The habit of a life of formalism prevailed.

The thing was as good as his, she would get it presently.

Why, then, cause talk and scandal by keeping these persons--whoever they were--outside, when the thing might be had without talk?
"To-night!" he cried rapidly.

"Get it to-night, then! Do you hear, girl?
You will be sure to get it ?" His eyes flitted from her to the door and back again.