Feeling or seeing something, which she was not sure, she held the lamp above her head, and by its light perceived a figure standing between her and the entrance to the cave.
"Who are you?" she asked, whereon a soft voice answered out of the darkness, the voice of Jacob Meyer.
"Do you mind standing still for a few minutes, Miss Clifford? I have some paper here and I wish to make a sketch. You do not know how beautiful you look with that light above your head illuminating the shadows and the thorn-crowned crucifix beyond. You know, whatever paths fortune may have led me into, by nature I am an artist, and never in my life have I seen such a picture. One day it will make me famous.
'How statue-like I see thee stand! The agate lamp within thy hand.'
That's what I should put under it; you know the lines, don't you?"
"Yes, Mr. Meyer, but I am afraid you will have to paint your picture from memory, as I cannot hold up this lamp any longer; my arm is aching already. I do not know how you came here, but as you have followed me perhaps you will be so kind as to carry this water."
"I did not follow you, Miss Clifford. Although you never saw me I entered the cave before you to take measurements."
"How can you take measurements in the dark?"
"I was not in the dark. I put out my light when I caught sight of you, knowing that otherwise you would run away, and fate stood me in good stead. You came on, as I willed that you should do. Now let us talk. Miss Clifford, have you changed your mind? You know the time is up."
"I shall never change my mind. Let me pass you, Mr. Meyer."
"No, no, not until you have listened. You are very cruel to me, very cruel indeed. You do not understand that, rather than do you the slightest harm, I would die a hundred times."
"I do not ask you to die; I ask you to leave me alone--a much easier matter."
"But how can I leave you alone when you are a part of me, when--I love you? There, the truth is out, and now say what you will."
Benita lifted the bucket of water; its weight seemed to steady her. Then she put it down again, since escape was impracticable; she must face the situation.
"I have nothing to say, Mr. Meyer, except that I do not love you or any living man, and I never shall. I thank you for the compliment you have paid me, and there is an end."