I discovered that the windows were barred with narrow slats of iron within, although covered with heavy draperies of amber silk.
There was a double sheet of iron covering the door by which we had entered.
"Your cage, Madam ?" I inquired.

"I do not blame England for making it so secret and strong! If so lovely a prisoner were mine, I should double the bars." The swift answer to my presumption came in the flush of her cheek and her bitten lip.

She caught up the key from the table, and half motioned me to the door.

But now I smiled in turn, and pointed to the unopened note on the table.

"You will pardon me, Madam," I went on.