Manella found it difficult to sleep.
It was not really surprising seeing how much had happened during the evening.
She kept thinking about it all and about the Marquis as well.
He had been so kind and understanding.
When she had risen to say ‘goodnight’, the Marquis had queried,
“What about our early morning ride? Shall we say seven o’clock? Or is that too early for you?”
“It is not too early,” Manella answered, “but I ought to be preparing your breakfast.”
The Marquis laughed.
“If I have to wait a few minutes after we arrive back,” he said, “I will, of course, forgive you.”
Manella walked to the door, but the Marquis reached it first.
“I cannot let you go without thanking you again for saving me,” he said, “from a danger that I had not anticipated even in my wildest dreams.”
“
