CHAPTER X

She was sitting with her hands crossed on her lap when he returned,
carrying a small tray bearing two cups filled with coffee.

"You have been a very long time," she remarked casually.

"An especially delicious coffee had to be prepared for Mademoiselle,
and strict orders given that we were not to be disturbed until I give
the signal. Also that this quarter of the house, which is mine, is to
be cleared absolutely of all inhabitants. Therefore shall we be at
peace even until this time to-morrow if I make no sign. Also to
emphasise my orders, I ordered that a certain person be bastinadoed.
She sickens me with her outpourings of love, and was loitering about
this door seeking doubtlessly to enter. When she does she will most
certainly not enter upon her feet if my orders have been strictly
carried out."

And even as he spoke a distant piercing scream, followed by another,
and yet another, rent the air, causing Jill's mouth to shut like a
steel trap, and her eyes to blaze like fires.

"_That_ is what happens when I am _disobeyed_, Mademoiselle! Here is
your coffee, _drink it_!"

The tone was brutal, and Jill meekly put out her hand to take the
little porcelain and silver trifle the man was bringing to her, laying