And then for a moment she stood silent, eyeing me intently, her lips trembling with excitement and two red spots burning in her cheeks.

It was clear from her dress and other things that she had made up her mind to fly had the token been forthcoming; and seeing this, and knowing how unwilling a young girl is to forgo her own way, I still had some hopes that she might not persevere in her distrust and refusal.

And so it turned out.
Her manner had changed to one of quiet scorn when she next spoke.

'You defend yourself skilfully, sir,' she said, drumming with her fingers on the table and eyeing me steadfastly.

'But can you give me any reason for the person you name making choice of such a messenger ?' 'Yes,' I answered, boldly.