that she felt.

"Better not ask; the question doesn't concern you. She will simply
become familiarised with the secrets of the House by the Lock in a
manner upon which she didn't count, that's all."

"I had never pictured Satan himself so cruel, so horrible as you," cried
Karine. "I thank heaven, now that I know through this wretched woman
what you really are, that not I, but she is your wife!"

"Yet you must remain with me, as though you knew nothing but what I
would have had you know, for your own sake and your brother's.

"Had it not been for that foolish creature, who has ruined herself in
trying to ruin you and me, we might have been happy together, Karine. I
admire you more than any woman on earth, for you are certainly the most
beautiful, and your coldness to a man of my temperament has only added
to your attractions as a girl. As a married woman it would have been
different. I meant to make you love me; and even now, Karine, what has
happened that need change anything between us? You are not a
conventional little fool, as are some women I could name, and the love
of a man like me must create some impression on your nature. The
obstacle which you think stands between us shall be removed, the
marriage ceremony can again be performed over us--secretly, if you
choose. No one will be the wiser, and as in any event you must stay here
in my house----"

"I will not. Somehow God will help me to escape, and then, when I am
free from you, I shall let such friends as I may have left deal with you
as you deserve."

"It's difficult to see how you will get away. It's true I did not dream
that Marion would be here to greet us or I would not have brought you to
this house. But now that you are in it you will stay. No one knows that
we are here--no one in your world, at least--and I intend that we shall
have a protracted honeymoon. You heard how some vagabond, some tramp who
wished to get in, failed just now? Well, it is just as difficult for
strangers to _escape_ from the House by the Lock as it is for them
to effect an entrance. For instance, you and I are now cut off by means
of a sliding iron door from the old portion of the house. From this
there is absolutely no way out, unless I allow it, save one, and that
way two or three people have already found by going through a certain
little door hidden behind the hangings. I'll show it to you, if you
like, or perhaps the lady who told you so much has told you that as
well?