“And since you forced me,” he added, “I’ve had to play my last card. The note that I threw to Monty was a letter to you. He’ll leave it where it can easily be found.” “A letter to me!” she repeated. “It contained a suggestion that you try to get the room next mine, pleading nervousness, and come here to-night. It was the invitation--of a lover.” “You beast!” she cried, flaming out into rage. “You coward!” “You had your warning,” he reminded her. “The note will be conclusive, and no matter what you say, you will find yourself prejudged. It’s the world’s way to prejudge. The servants don’t seem to be coming, and you’ll be found here in the morning. What explanation will you have to offer?” He waited for her to speak, but she made no answer. “I think the episode of the necklace remains as between just you and me,” he added slowly, watching her closely. “The servants will come,” she cried. “I shan’t have to stay here.” “If they disappoint you,” he remarked, “may I suggest that burglar-alarm? It will wake everybody up, the Harringtons, Miss Rutledge, and all, even if they’re in bed and asleep soundly. Why don’t you ring it? Miss Cartwright, I _dare_ you to ring it!” Just then there came the sounds of footsteps in the corridor, then a knock at the door. Denby waited calmly for some word from the girl. The knock was repeated. “Well,” he whispered at last, “why don’t you answer?” She shrank back. “No, no, I can’t.” Denby moved to the door. “Who is it?” he asked. Lambart’s respectful voice made answer: “You rang, sir?” “Yes,” he returned, “I forgot to tell you that Miss Cartwright wished to be called at seven. Call me at the same time, too. That’s all, Lambart; sorry to have had to disturb you. Good-night.” He stood listening until the man’s footsteps died away. Then he turned, and came toward the girl. “So you didn’t dare denounce me after all,” he said mockingly. “Oh, I knew it was all a joke,” she said, with an attempt to pass it over lightly. “I knew you couldn’t be so contemptible.” “A joke!” he exclaimed grimly. “Why does it seem a joke?” “If you’d meant what you’d said, you’d have called Lambart in. That would have answered your purpose very well. But I knew that you’d never do that. I knew you couldn’t.” “I’m afraid I shall have less faith hereafter in woman’s intuition,” he returned. “I can keep you here, and I will. No other course is open to me.” A clock outside struck. “It’s just three,” he observed. “In four hours’ time a maid will go to your room and find it empty. It’s a long time till then, so why not make yourself as comfortable as you can? Please sit down.” The girl sank into a chair more because she was suddenly conscious of her physical weakness than for the reason he offered it her in mocking courtesy. “I can’t face it,” she cried hysterically; “the disgrace and humiliation! I can’t face it!” “You’ve got to face it,” he said sternly.