The Passenger from Calais

you go back to our place this instant; we cannot be away together, you know that; it must not be left

to explain how I find you quarrelling with my maid, permitting yoursel

small already. My self-reproach was aroused even befo

hat you may imagine, what unworthy idea you may have formed, is beyond me to g

that she was self-condemned, that she was the principal witness against herself. It would have

e through and through. I felt that she was penetr

nsist upon your speaking plainly.

ategorically; if I deny your contention, an

no more evasion. I must have it out. I shall stay h

me. I was invaded by the sweet savour of her gracious presence (she used some delightful scent, violette ideale, I believe), by putting forth my hand a few inches I might have taken

, she returned to her poin

go on? I want and will have an explanation. W

e so?" I tried to fence and

d to have nothing to say to us, that we were not your sort. Well! why

least you ought to hold your own anyw

ress, a puppet and play-actress? Or is it that I have forfeited my r

saw she guessed I knew something. Not how much, perhaps, but something to her discredit. She still was not satisf

? I have my reasons for desi

I felt I was weakening under the subtle charm of her presence, and the pr

il I may be able to justify myself, or at least

uch appearances? Remem

ed, seeing my gesture of negation. "Are you treating me fairly, chivalrously, as a

science, or use it when it is an empt

nce, or that I should feel the qu

've done, yes,"

you judge me without knowing the facts, without a shadow of proof?" She spr

your own lips. I heard you and you

Colonel Ann

fended myself indignantly. "I wish to heaven I had never hea

esume?" she put in wi

that the fears of detection, arrest, reprisals, the law and its penalties had no effect upon her? Undoubtedly at Calais she was afraid; some misgiving, some haunting terror possesse

d to make use of me, how or in what way I could not imagine; but I soon perceived that she was anxious to be friends. The woman was in the ascendant, and

invitation or encouragement,

with no shadow of apprehension left in her, not a sign of shame or remorse in her voic

es at the next station? Have me taken red-handed with the-stolen p

y business," I answered gruffly. I tho

woman Blair in the Engadine express. Wire along the line to authorities, Fr

not continue this con

"It is only one of my aliases. I am better known as Slippery Sue, and the Co

pins, what you are called. I would rather not have the whole li

uckingham Palace. I was at the State Ball, and made a fine harvest of jewels. I have swept a dozen country

g into her humour and laughing as she rose to her full height; and again her mood change

ef; you believe me t