"I understand," she said at last, very slowly. "I understand.
When will you take me to him?"
For a moment Loder said nothing, not daring to trust his
voice; then he answered, low and abruptly. "Now!" he said.
"Now, at once! Now, this moment, if I may. And--and remember
that I know what it costs you." As if imbued with fear that
his courage might fail him, he suddenly released her hand,
and, crossing the room to where a long, dark cloak lay as she
had thrown it on her return home, he picked it up, walked to
her side, and silently wrapped it about her. Then, still
acting automatically, he moved to the door, opened it, and
stood aside while she passed out into the corridor.
In complete silence they descended the stairs and passed to
the hall door. There Crapham, who had returned to his duties
since Loder's entrance, came quickly forward with an offer of
service.
But Loder dismissed him curtly; and with something of the
confusion bred of Chilcote's regime, the man drew back towards
the staircase.
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