Page:The Duke Decides (1904).djvu/103

 very strongly. I am sure he meant no good. But what I want to say, Cousin Charles, is that you must remain here to-night. If you go out of the house, I shall go also.”

Forsyth shot a grateful look at her.

“The best possible plan,” he said, quickly. “Now, don’t be obstinate, Duke. The man has left the premises, I presume? Good! That being so, we shall be a poor lot if we can’t prevent his getting in again, which he is hardly likely to attempt. There is nothing to hinder you from spending a quiet night here, without the slightest risk of unpleasantness either to Sybil or to yourself, and in the morning you and I can talk over your future movements at leisure.”

“And I quite meant what I said,” Sybil added, firmly. “If you won’t stay here, you will put me to the inconvenience of turning out and going to an hotel at twelve o’clock at night. I have no intention of being forced into the horrid feeling that I am keeping you from the shelter of your own roof.”

Under the pleading of the two pairs of kindly eyes turned on him Beaumanoir wavered. The chance of sleep and rest was