“Very well.”

Eveline chose not to open the door for two reasons:  first, she wished to ascertain whether or not there was a secret passage between the rooms; and, secondly, if Duffel’s assertion in regard to the matter should prove true, she wished to know at what point the entrance was situated, that, if need be, in any future movements she might make, obstructions could be placed in the way of ingress.  One thing, however, perplexed her a little; she could not keep her eyes on all sides of the room at once, and Duffel might come from some quarter unawares, and take her at advantage, ere she could meet his attack.  Thought is very rapid in times of danger, if presence of mind is retained, and the difficulty stated had fixed her attention but a few seconds, ere several plans of release had suggested themselves and been abandoned; but at length it occurred to her, that as it was impossible for the secret door to be in the same place as the other one, she would be perfectly safe, in taking a position against the latter, from any possibility of surprise, and standing there she could seem more at her ease than in any other position, where her continued watchfulness would betray anxiety.

She had scarcely placed herself in the posture desired, before she saw a portion of the wall to her right slowly move from its place, and presently a mass, the size of a small door, stood out fairly into the room, and from behind it stole the villain, in such a manner as to leave no doubt of his intentions to surprise her, if possible.  Seeing she was prepared for his reception, and aware of his entrance, he closed the door, and, boldly stepping into the room, addressed her thus: 

“So, incredulous fair one, you see I am here, notwithstanding your disbelief in my word.”

“Yes; I see you are here.”

“Well, that is a very cordial welcome to an old friend, certainly.  In what school have you taken lessons in hospitality and politeness?”

“In one where I have learned to treat insolence according to its deserts.”

“Indeed! then I think we must have graduated at the same institution.  Perhaps we had as well try each other’s skill and proficiency, and the one that shall prove the aptest scholar be declared victor in the contest between us.  Do you accept the challenge?”

“I accept nothing from you; your pretended friendship I despise; your threats I hold in as much contempt as I do their author; your intended insults I will pay back even to death, sir!” and as she spoke, there was a flashing light in her eye which gave the villain to understand she meant all she said; but assuming not to heed his convictions on that point, here plied, with as much seeming ease as he could command: 

“Oh, I have heard such talk before.”

“Yes, and like the base coward you are, you sprang from the dagger at your breast, even though it was but a woman’s hand that held it.”