'I am in a difficult position.

I must have some time to consider.' 'And to rid yourself of me, if it be possible,' he said with irony.

'I quite understand.

But I warn you that you are watched; and that wherever you go and whatever you do, eyes which are mine are upon you.' 'I, too, understand,' I said coolly.
He stood awhile uncertain, regarding me with mingled doubt and malevolence, tortured on the one hand by fear of losing the prize if he granted delay, on the other of failing as utterly if he exerted his power and did not succeed in subduing my resolution.

I watched him, too, and gauging his eagerness and the value of the stake for which he was striving by the strength of his emotions, drew small comfort from the sight.