“Christine,” said the young man, “we will go from here together or die together!”

“We must keep cool,” I whispered. “Why has he fastened you, mademoiselle? You can’t escape from his house; and he knows it!”

“I tried to commit suicide! The monster went out last night, after carrying me here fainting and half chloroformed. He was going to his banker , so he said!⁠ ⁠… When he returned he found me with my face covered with blood.⁠ ⁠… I had tried to kill myself by striking my forehead against the walls.”

“Christine!” groaned Raoul; and he began to sob.

“Then he bound me.⁠ ⁠… I am not allowed to die until eleven o’clock tomorrow evening.”

“Mademoiselle,” I declared, “the monster bound you⁠ ⁠… and he shall unbind you. You have only to play the necessary part! Remember that he loves you!”