"Then go back at once," he begged her feverishly. "I could not bear to think of you living here with this man another hour. Have your things put together now and tell your maid. Let me take you to the station. I want to see you leave this infernal house, and this atmosphere of cheating and lies, when I do!" Her lips parted into the ghost of a smile. "I have not found so much to regret in my stay here," she said softly. He held out his arms, but she eluded him gently. "I hope," he said, "nay, I know that you will never regret it. Never! Tell me what you are going to do now?" "I shall leave here this afternoon," she said, "and go straight to some friends in London. Then I shall make new plans, or rather set myself to the remaking of old ones. When I am ready, I will write to you. But remember again--I make no promise!" He held out his hands. "But you will write to me?" She hesitated. "No, I shall not write to you. I am not going to give you my address even; you must be patient for a little while." "You will not go away? You will not at least leave England without seeing me?" "Not unless I am compelled," she promised, "and then, if I go, I will come back again, or let you know where I am. You need not fear; I am not going to slip away and be lost! You shall see me again." Wolfenden was dissatisfied. "I hate letting you go," he said. "I hate all this mystery. When one comes to think of it, I do not even know your name! It is ridiculous! Why cannot I take you to London, and we can be married to-morrow. Then I should have the right to protect you against this blackguard." She laughed softly. Her lips were parted in dainty curves, and her eyes were lit with merriment. "How delightful you are," she exclaimed. "And to think that the women of my country call you Englishmen slow wooers!" "Won't you prove the contrary?" he begged. She shook her head. "It is already proved. But if you are sure you feel well enough to walk, please go now. I want to catch the afternoon train to London." He held out his hands and tried once more to draw her to him. But she stepped backwards laughing. "You must please be patient," she said, "and remember that to-day I am betrothed to--somebody else! Goodbye!" CHAPTER XXXIII MR. SABIN TRIUMPHS Wolfenden, for perhaps the first time in his life, chose the inland road home. He was still feeling faint and giddy, and the fresh air only partially revived him. He walked slowly, and rested more than once. It took him almost half an hour to reach the cross roads. Here he sat on a stile for a few minutes, until he began to feel himself again. Just as he was preparing to resume his walk, he was aware of a carriage being driven rapidly towards him, along the private road from Deringham Hall.