On the other hand, Phil Abingdon had taken up a definite attitude
of defense; and perceiving this, because of his uncanny
intuitiveness, the Persian had exerted himself to the utmost,
more often addressing Phil than her companion, and striving to
regain that mastery of her emotions which he had formerly
achieved, at least in part.
Her feelings, however, were largely compounded of fear, and fear
strengthened her defense. The repulsive part of Ormuz Khan's
character became more apparent to her than did the fascination
which she had once experienced. She distrusted him, distrusted
him keenly. She knew at the bottom of her heart that this had
always been so, but she had suffered his attentions in much the
same spirit as that which imbues the naturalist who studies the
habits of a poisonous reptile.
She knew that she was playing with fire, and in this knowledge
lay a dangerous pleasure. She had the utmost faith in her own
common sense, and was ambitious to fence with edged tools.
When at last the car was drawn up before the porch of Hillside,
and Ormuz Khan, stepping out, assisted the ladies to alight, for
one moment Phil Abingdon hesitated, although she knew that it was
already too late to do so. They were received by Mr. Rama Dass,
his excellency's courteous secretary, whom she had already met,
and whom Ormuz Khan presented to Mrs. McMurdoch. Almost
immediately:
"You have missed Mr.
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