The White Witch of Rosehall
Chapter 19: Are You Not Afraid?
Jagged nerves and a physical frame taxed by the experiences of the previous night, notwithstanding, Robert abided by his resolution when, after but a couple of hours’ sleep, he rose, shaved, bathed, and changed his clothes that same morning, for it was morning when he had thrown himself on his bed to think. At nine o’clock Rider made his appearance, and Robert informed him briefly what he intended to do. Rider did not look hopeful, but made no attempt to argue. He had some knowledge of human nature; he felt certain that it was better that the young man should be allowed to follow his own mind just now, whatever came of it.
At about ten o’clock Robert was at the Great House asking for Mrs. Palmer. He was informed that she was still in bed, but would be down presently. He waited in the drawing-room for nearly half an hour, when she came in, clothed daintily in white, and if she was paler than usual she seemed otherwise no worse for her adventure of the night before.
“Have you come to wish me a merry Christmas the day after?” she inquired, taking a seat near to him. “Or to what am I to attribute this visit?”
She was very calm, very collected, even formal; he gained an impression that she knew it was on no pacific mission he had come. He had an impression that she knew something of that reason and was prepared to have the matter out with him.
“No,” he said slowly, “it is not to wish you a merry Christmas. You had a strange Christmas, but hardly a merry one. I know that.”
“Yes?”
“Yes. You made me a promise and broke it. You pledged me your word that you would try to rid that girl’s mind of her obsession, and instead of that you increased it. You have lied to me, Annie, and quite probably you have killed a human being. That was your work last night. I can’t conceive how it could have been merry work even for you; it was devilish work. I know all about it.”
“Indeed?”
“Yes. I saw you last night; I was there, just as you were there. You did not imagine that, did not expect it, did you? But I know you now. There isn’t a word of truth in you.”
She sat very still, clenching and unclenching her hands, her lips set tight, her eyes wide with rage. Then, to his great surprise, instead of rising and driving him from her presence, she began to laugh. There was contempt in her laugh. He always seemed to catch that contemptuous note these days.
“So you were at the negro ceremony for taking off ghosts, and you saw me there too, and you say that I have killed this slut of yours! What a clever soul you are at making deductions. I didn’t see you, but what is to hinder me from saying that you have killed this girl? What did you see me do more than you did? Why, my dear man, I didn’t even arrive until the people had all run away. If you were there you surely must know that. I had a right to be there; that orgy was against the law. It was my duty to prevent or stop it. “That bull——”
“Well, that bull,” she prompt