In the moment that intervened between his question and her reply her decision was made.
"You shall have my answer to-night," she said.
He turned from her without a word, and a little wonder quivered through her as to the meaning of his silence.

She was glad when they reached Rivermead and she could take refuge in her own room.
Here once more she read Brandon's message; read it with a thumping heart, but no thought of drawing back.

It was the only way out for her.
She dressed for dinner, and then made a few hasty preparations for her flight.

She laid no elaborate plans for effecting it, for she anticipated no difficulty.

The night would be dark, and she could rely upon her ingenuity for the rest.