"My men downstairs," he said. "Soon--soon I shall see you again."
Then, at the door, he turned to add: "There are four of them, prompt, even rash fellows--all armed but faithful and devoted to me. I beg you to wait until your breakfast is sent up. Attempts to escape are dangerous."
Again the key was turned, and Amaryllis flung herself on the bed, shaking with rage and horror.
But her attention was distracted from herself by the absence of departing footsteps.
The man must be still at the door--listening, spying through some crevice, perhaps.
No--he was talking--listening--replying, in a voice too low for the words to reach her.
And then an answering voice, which rose by swift crescendo, until it drove the man with hasty steps down the passage, followed by a screaming final curse.
Fridji the parlour-maid was jealous, was angry, and was making her Melchard a scene! Oh, but how funny things would be if they weren't so beastly!
But Dutch Fridji, having no humour, entered the room in the worst temper of a depraved woman.
"You want breakfast?" she said, locking the door and taking out the key.
Amaryllis looked up with disdainful laziness.
"Of course," she said, "please be quick."
"If you cannot wait," replied Fridji, "you must go without."
"You must not speak to me like that. You know very well that parlour-maids say 'ma'am' and are expected to be respectful."
"Yes?" said Amaryllis. "I'm afraid you've let yourself be dragged into a very wicked crime for which you will be severely punished."
"Punish! To punish _me_! Drag in! But me? Me? Me? I am not dragged. I lead."
"The head is mine. I plan. And, because you will never leave this place I do not mind to tell you that it is I have done it. All this. We have the New Drug. I hold the man that shall make it and sell it. I am the leader. I get the key. I catch you by the throat, there in The Manor House, my pretty, red-haired mistress! I catch you while my Melchard, who is clever, prick your arm with the needle. I--I--I!"
"Oh, yes," said Amaryllis. "But I do not think you are wise to tell all this to me."
"Because you tell again? Oh, no, ma'am! I squeeze harder next time--and there are other things. This is good old establish firm, no risk taken."