Therefore we'll dispense with seconds?'
The signor slightly nodded.
'Do you know this part of the country well?' Cousin James went on,
in the same cool and still manner. 'If you don't, I do. Quite at
the bottom of the rocks out there, just beyond the stream which
falls over them to the shore, is a smooth sandy space, not so much
shut in as to be out of the moonlight; and the way down to it from
this side is over steps cut in the cliff; and we can find our way
down without trouble. We--we two--will find our way down; but only
one of us will find his way up, you understand?'
'Quite.'
'Then suppose we start; the sooner it is over the better. We can
order supper before we go out--supper for two; for though we are
three at present--'
'Three?'
'Yes; you and I and she--'
'Oh yes.'
'--We shall be only two by and by; so that, as I say, we will order
supper for two; for the lady and a gentleman. Whichever comes back
alive will tap at her door, and call her in to share the repast with
him--she's not off the premises. But we must not alarm her now; and
above all things we must not let the inn-people see us go out; it
would look so odd for two to go out, and only one come in. Ha! ha!'
'Ha! ha! exactly.'
'Are you ready?'
'Oh--quite.'
'Then I'll lead the way.'
He went softly to the door and downstairs, ordering supper to be
ready in an hour, as he had said; then making a feint of returning
to the room again, he beckoned to the singer, and together they
slipped out of the house by a side door.
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