Prove that you bring me a
wife's devotion--not a wanton's indifference." He caught her cold
hands, trying to draw her forward to him. "Prove that you only pity
him," he whispered, "but that your love will be mine--"
She felt as if a serpent clasped her. And yet, if that were the only
way to win Ryder's safety--if it were possible for her sickened
senses to allay this madman's suspicions and undermine his revenge--
Quiveringly she thought that to save Ryder she would go through
fire.
But the hideous, mocking uncertainties! Her utter helplessness--her
lost deference....
It was not a sudden sound that broke in upon them but rather the
perception of many sounds, muffled, half heard, but gaining upon
their consciousness. Running feet--a stifled voice--something faint
and shrill--
Aimee sprang to her feet; the general rose with her and turned his
head inquiringly in the direction. Then he jerked open the door
through which Fatima had disappeared; it led to a dark service
corridor and small anteroom, from whose bed the attendant was
absent. An outer door was ajar.
No need to question the sounds now. Faint, but piercingly shrill
shrieks were sounding from above, while the footsteps were racing,
some down, some up--
The bey flung shut the door behind him and hurried towards the
confusion.
CHAPTER XX
BEYOND THE DOOR
Ryder had stood stock still with amazement when the girl began to
scream.
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