He waited to see if she would make any further protest, but she set her
lips firmly and refused to speak. There was nothing more to be said on
her side. Evidently Sobrenski had found the letter, and when or where
it had been found mattered not at all. He continued:
"The sentence has been passed and it falls upon you to execute it."
The answer came back swiftly:
"And if I refuse?"
For once in his life Sobrenski was taken aback, and experienced a new
sensation, that of surprise. He looked at her with almost approval.
If he was cruel he was also courageous, and able to appreciate the
virtue in others.
"You know what your refusal implies?" he questioned, more gently than
he had yet spoken. "You refused some time ago to carry a message. You
will perhaps remember that I gave you the choice between doing as you
were told, or--" he gesticulated expressively. "You were wise then. I
hope you will be wise now."
Arithelli's thoughts were going at racing speed. No one could be long
in a room alone with Sobrenski without being impressed by his
overpowering personality.
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