how soon... ?" He understood the unfinished question.

Interest warmed his face again.

He took a step towards her, but by a gesture she seemed to beg him come no nearer.
"If you will promise to marry me within the week, Richard shall have no cause to fear either for his life or his honour at my hands." She seemed now to be recovering her calm.

"Very well," she said, her voice singularly steady.

"Let that be a bargain between us.