"Why do you come here? He will kill
you if he finds you in the house. Where is he?"
Launce knew even less of Turlington's movements than the servant.
"Wherever he is, thank God, I am here before him!" That was all the
answer he could give.
Natalie and her aunt heard him in silent dismay. Sir Joseph woke, and
recognized Launce before a word more could be said. "Ah, my dear boy!"
he murmured, faintly. "It's pleasant to see you again. How do you come
here?" He was quite satisfied with the first excuse that suggested
itself. "We'll talk about it to-morrow," he said, and composed himself
to rest again.
Natalie made a second attempt to persuade Launce to leave the house.
"We don't know what may have happened," she said. "He may have followed
you on your way here. He may have purposely let you enter his house.
Leave us while you have the chance."
Miss Lavinia added her persuasions. They were useless. Launce quietly
closed the heavy window-shutters, lined with iron, and put up the bar.
Natalie wrung her hands in despair.
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