He might have miscalculated the force of her attraction for Vardri, but
he felt perfectly certain that she was reduced to a state of mechanical
imbecility. She could not escape now at all events, even if she
suddenly changed her mind.
He would give them both five minutes, and then if Vardri did not
appear--!
He began to walk up and down outside, like some prowling animal
awaiting its prey.
At regular intervals his shadow crossed and recrossed the patch of
light from the open door.
Meanwhile Vardri was riding leisurely up the slope, reining back his
horse, and stopping at intervals to put a fair distance between himself
and the others. He intended to make a chance of seeing Arithelli alone
again, so he meant to wait till the whole crew, and especially
Sobrenski, were safely embarked on their eternal discussions. Then he
would slip in and help her with the animals, and live in Paradise again
for a little space of time.
He had been to her rooms earlier in the day but she had sent down a
message to beg him to excuse her. She had a headache, and was lying
down, so he had been obliged to go away unsolaced, and longing for the
evening.
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