"
He wondered what more was coming, and at what directed. Her tone and
attitude and deprecation of self were new to him. He had never seen her
so; always she was the embodification of calm, self-reliance, poise,
never flustered, never disturbed. A weak woman! It was so absurd as to
be ridiculous, and she was aware of it. So what was the play with so
bald a notice to beware?
"No, no, Guy," said she. "You think it's a play, but it isn't. It's the
simple truth I'm about to tell you, and as truth I pray you take it."
"I'll take it as you wish it taken," he responded, more than ever
mystified.
She carefully laid her cigarette on the receiver, then arose and leaned
against the table, her hands behind her. He arose also, but she
declined the courtesy.
"Keep your seat," she said, "and don't be alarmed, I'm not preparing to
have you daggered or garroted. Entirely the reverse, Guy. I've decided
to offer terms: to capitulate; to throw the whole thing over; to betray
my mission and get out of the service forever. No, don't smile
incredulously, I mean it."
"Good Lord!" thought Harleston. "What is coming and where do we go?"
What he said, however, was:
"Wouldn't you be incredulous if our positions were reversed? Madeline
Spencer, the very Queen of the Service, betray her trust? Impossible!"
"Thank you, Guy," said she.
Pages:
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245