Page:The woman, the man, and the monster (IA womanmanmonster00dawe).pdf/259

 VII

At first, not noticing the presence of a third person, for at the rapid swish of her skirts Brenton had drawn back, she began somewhat imperiously to question him on his absence. He turned with a shrug towards his visitor, and her eyes, following his, suddenly dilated with horror. She staggered back as though about to faint, an action which wrung from him a cry of alarm and a quick movement. But Bren- ton was there before him. Springing forward he caught her roughly by the wrist and drew. her savagely towards him.

“So, I’ve found you at last!”

The touch and the words awoke her. With an effort she straightened herself and looked him in the eyes; but the words failed to come, though the lips trembled with the attempt. Vermont regarded her with amazement, though almost instantly the truth flashed upon him.

“It’s been a long chase, Irene,” Brenton was