Red Széll

She believed that it was out of dread of him that Lady Frances had accepted the escort of the Schlesingers to London.

She had never spoken to Marie about it, but many little signs had convinced the maid that her mistress lived in a state of continual nervous apprehension.

So far she had got in her narrative, when suddenly she sprang from her chair and her face was convulsed with surprise and fear.

See, she cried, the miscreant follows still.

There is the very man of whom I speak.

Through the open sitting room window I saw a huge swarthy man with a bristling black beard walking slowly down the centre of the street and staring eagerly at the numbers of the houses.

It was clear that, like myself, he was on the track of the maid.

Acting upon the impulse of the moment, I rushed out and accosted him.

You are an Englishman, I said.

What if I am?

he asked with a most villainous scowl.

May I ask what your name is?

No, you may not, said he with decision.

The situation was awkward, but the most direct way is often the best.

Where is the Lady Frances Carfax?

I asked.

He stared at me with amazement.

What have you done with her?

Why have you pursued her?

I insist upon an answer, said I.