She refused the offer of Monsieur Surville's arm.
"I have already told you that I shall stay here," she answered.
Monsieur Surville lifted his hands in polite remonstrance.

Mercy held back the curtain, and pointed to the cottage door.
"Go," she said.

"My mind is made up." Even at that final moment the Frenchman asserted himself.

He made his exit with unimpaired grace and dignity.

"Madam," he said, "you are sublime!" With that parting compliment the man of gallantry--true to the last to his admiration of the sex--bowed, with his hand on his heart, and left the cottage.
Mercy dropped the canvas over the doorway.