Page:The council of seven.djvu/56

 up her life at the Office. And then John himself, would he, could he?

The man who sat opposite seemed to read every thought she had.

"Hardly a matter upon which one is entitled to speak."

The father again. "But, as I say, you mean so much to us in the Office—so please—please look before and after."

A sense of being overcome by a great spirit afflicted her now. Here was an infinite power. She felt her defenses giving. The walls of the large room were beginning to press upon her. She was alone with the man in his own house, it was after midnight, she was at his mercy. Such fear was unworthy, but she was seized by a fierce desire to escape. There was the unknown to reckon with. At its beck, and under its fires, even her most sacred instincts were in danger of being subverted.