. ."
"For goodness' sake don't let her come in and find you here."
Those words recalled me to myself, exorcised the evil spirit by the
mere enchanting power of the voice. They were also impressive by
their suggestion of something practical, utilitarian, and remote
from sentiment. The evil spirit left me and I remained taken aback
slightly.
"Well," I said, "if you mean that you want me to leave the room I
will confess to you that I can't very well do it yet. But I could
lock both doors if you don't mind that."
"Do what you like as long as you keep her out. You two together
would be too much for me to-night. Why don't you go and lock those
doors? I have a feeling she is on the prowl."
I got up at once saying, "I imagine she has gone to bed by this
time." I felt absolutely calm and responsible. I turned the keys
one after another so gently that I couldn't hear the click of the
locks myself. This done I recrossed the room with measured steps,
with downcast eyes, and approaching the couch without raising them
from the carpet I sank down on my knees and leaned my forehead on
its edge. That penitential attitude had but little remorse in it.
I detected no movement and heard no sound from her.
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