I had to decide then and there, and all I could think of at the time
was to keep the enemy in the dark as to the doubled part of the baby.
At first I thought of sending Philpotts on alone with her charge and
remaining with Henriette. She was so helpless, so weak and vacillating
that I had small hope of her getting through to Fuentellato by
herself. That was clearly the wisest course, and I should have taken
it, but I was sorely vexed and put out by her obstinate refusal to
play her part; and I told her so.
"Once more and for the last time, Henriette, will you do what I want?"
I asked her peremptorily.
She only hugged her baby the closer and whispered a soft lullaby.
"Then I shall go on with the other. It may be best. They may still be
drawn after me, and leave you to your own devices. The only thing for
you to do is to take the first train the other way,--it will be here
in ten minutes,--keep low and you may get through into Italy
unobserved."
"Are you really deserting me?" she cried piteously. "When shall I see
you again?"
"I shall go round the long journey to Marseilles, by the South of
France, and will join you at Fuentellato.
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