l the hedges
disappeared and they were in the streets, and people turned to look at
them, and even stood and stared. Then she drew rein a little and went
slower, knowing with shuddering agony that the trap was closing about
her.

"What is it that you would say to me?" she asked him breathlessly.

"That which I would say within four walls that you may hear it all," he
answered. "This time 'tis not idle threatening. I have a thing to show
you."

Through the streets they went, and as her horse's hoofs beat the
pavement, and the passers-by, looking towards her, gazed curiously at so
fine a lady on so splendid a brute, she lifted her eyes to the houses,
the booths, the faces, and the sky, with a strange fancy that she looked
about her as a man looks who, doomed to death, is being drawn in his cart
to Tyburn tree. For 'twas to death she went, nor to naught else could
she compare it, and she was so young and strong, and full of love and
life, and there should have been such bliss and peace before her but for
one madness of her all-unknowing days. And this beside her--this man
with the fair face and looks and beauteous devil's eyes, was her hangman,
and carried his rope with him, and soon would fit it close about her
neck.

When they rode through the part of the town where abode the World of
Fashion, those who saw them knew them, and marvelled that the two should
be together.

"But perhaps his love has made him sue for pardon that he has so borne
himself," some said, "and she has chosen to be gracious to him, since she
is gracious in these days to all."

When they reached her house he dismounted with her, wearing an outward
air of courtesy; but his eye mocked her, as she knew. His horse was in a
lather of sweat, and he spoke to a servant.

"Take my beast home," he said. "He is too hot to stand, and I shall not
soon be ready."

CHAPTER XVI--Dealing with that which was done in the Panelled Parlour

He followed her to the Panelled Parlour, the one to which she had taken
Osmonde on the day of their bliss, the one in which in the afternoon she
received those who came to pay court to her over a dish of tea. In the
mornings none entered it but herself or some invited guest. 'Twas not
the room she would have chosen for him; but when he said to her, "'Twere
best your ladyship took me to some private place," she had known there
was no other so safe.

When the door was closed behind them, and they stood face