Vernon made out a middle-aged woman with the air
and dress of aladys maid.
Vernon gave her a sketch of the ritual of Kynætho.
I refuse to leave without you, Miss Arabin, he said. My mistress is asleep, she
said, and it would not be well towake her. Im very sorry, Miss Arabin, but Imgoing
to save you in spite of yourself.
Then helocked it and flung the key
overboard.
His first mood was one of dismal
relaxedness.
There were other things which Vernon noted in the
jumble of theroom. There was a mirrorabove the mantelpiece in which he caught a
glimpse of himself. He caughther wrist, expecting it to go off, but nothing
happened. Through the open window came a drift of fog whichintensified the comfort
of the fire. He caughther wrist, expecting it to go off, but nothing happened. For
they werelike men demented, with white faces and open mouths.
She is stiff-neckedtowards me, but she may listen
to a young man, especially if he beEnglish. The nearest harbour was twenty miles
distant, andneither of the crew had ever been there before. My servants invited you,
and therefore I am responsible.
I have a daughter married in the village, whom I
ampermitted to visit. They have piledfagots on the north and east sides where the
wind blows.
The volume would be kept atSeverns to remind him of
his folly, but it would never be opened byhim. I do notknow much, but I know enough
to see that you are in deadly danger.
She will not ask help, for she isfoolishly
confident. But theodd thing was that, after the first second, there was
recognitionin her face.
It means that you,like me, are a
prisoner!
Vernon went back to the first room, nauseated and
angry.
That of course explains why youwere allowed to
anchor.
Sheturned to him at last:I must prepare my
mistress.