Chapter XI

In Don Juan’s Lair

When Bianca saw the face of the man who opened the door, she moved back to run away, but one hand grabbed her and dragged her inside irresistibly. It was Count Cassatti who had opened the door. Bianca was wondering what kind of mistake it could be. She thought that the man whom she knew under the name of Cassatti might be a theatrical agent, and it sort of reassured her. She thought that the previous events were some kind of a test and that Mr John W. Albin had just been trying to check her morality and her artistic ability. It wasn't after all that uncommon. When one wants to take an artist for a tour to the New World, it's quite good to ascertain their good morality as well as their talent. They want to be sure she wouldn't leave during her engagement to follow someone. They were right to demand a real professional who stood the test of any seduction. After all, this agent had acted according to his profession and the result had been favourable for Bianca. This is what the girl thought when she saw Cassatti. She laughed and said:

- Then, you're not a Count, just a theatrical agent!

He didn't answer, but he showed her in the room. Before closing the door, he called the bellboy in the corridor and gave him a letter:

- Have this letter delivered immediately at the specified address… Extremely urgent!

Then, coming back in the suite, he locked the door discreetly without Bianca's notice. Then he went back to her.

- What did you say? He asked, very calm.

Bianca repeated:

- I said that you masqueraded as a Count while you are simply a circus agent or a circus manager…

He bent his head, smiled and said:

- Well thought out…my dear child. But, you are wrong, once more, I am not an agent, I am really Count Cassatti.

This time, Bianca realised the seriousness of the situation. She went white and moved back. The count apologised with ease:

- It was the only way to make you come here, isn't it?

Bianca, disgusted, whispered:

-Oh! What a shame!

He continued:

- What do you expect? I use the means at my disposal. It's totally unacceptable that a girl like you should lose her time with a mere circus. She should expect better of life. Just think of all things I could do for you. I find you very attractive, darling, I'm telling you!

His distinction was losing its nobility rapidly, replaced by a haughty coarseness. His impertinence became insolence but there was still some kind of a greatness which was impressive. He knew it and he indented to win her over using his boldness. She would take her unwillingly; perhaps, she wouldn't have the strength to always refuse to give herself to him. Bianca nevertheless hurried towards the door. She found it locked. She realised the trap she had fallen in and suddenly, she got scared. But, she did all she could to keep her composure to show that she wasn't afraid and was ready to fight. It wasn't in vain that she had gone through sufferings and humble beginnings at the circus. She wasn't ready to be dominated by anybody. She had been in charge of herself since the age of eight. She knew full well that a woman could defend herself if she had enough energy and willpower. She leaned against the door, her hands behind her back and asked ironically.

But, Count Cassatti wasn't the kind of man who lost his composure that easily. The two adversaries were evenly matched. He came back quietly to Bianca and slowly, he unbuttoned her coat, taking no notice of the girl's beating heart and recoil. He said:

- Then, I suppose we will both benefit equally from a better acquaintance… Only, do not stay in the entrance. Trust me. I won't detain you more than a few minutes. Come into the living room.

She followed him, wondering about any diplomatic move to avoid a scandal in the hotel. He continued, insinuating:

- What do you think of a little supper while we discuss the future?

There was a knock at the door. Some hope came back to Bianca. Perhaps somebody would enter and save her. The Count went to open but he opened it only half way. Somebody outside said a few words and the door was closed before Bianca could even call out. He locked the door carefully again and came back.

-See, he said, very calm, we have nothing to fear; we won't be disturbed. You are not even expected for tonight's performance.

Furious, realising that some base act had been committed and losing her temper, Bianca exclaimed, violently:

- What did you say? You know full well that I must be back at the circus at 7 pm.

He shook his head.

- No.

She stepped back, one hand on her chest:

- No?

- No. I sent a letter to your director mentioning an urgent matter that was detaining you. I've just been advised that the message reached its addressee.

Then, she nearly chocked with anger. She talked but words didn't come out. She was red and her eyes were threatening.

-Oh! What a coward!... It's so disgusting… You're going to let me go at once, do you hear?

He tried to calm her down. But, he did it with his usual impertinence, as he didn’t take her seriously. For Bianca, it was just another abuse.

- Be a dear, my sweet! I do not want you to lose your job. I included a large sum of money to my letter for your director. Be sure that nobody will bear a grudge against you… on the contrary!

Did he imagine that he had won her over? No, probably. He knew how to bluff, that's all and he was sure of his victory. He put his arm around her waist. She was astounded by such recklessness but she found in herself the resource to react. She jumped back, decided to defend herself. He went too far and she felt that no prayer or plea would have any effect. This man was completely cold and merciless; he only considered women as some instruments for his own pleasure. On the table, she noticed the telephone, near her. She grabbed the receiver:

- Hallo! Quick, quick!

Very quietly, Cassatti went behind her, took a knife out of his pocket and cut the wire. He felt Bianca was now isolated and at his mercy. He closed the entrance's door. Bianca had first got connected with the desk, but suddenly the line went dead. She looked around and saw the cut wire. She had to react quickly. As she couldn't escape through the door, she chose the window. She went straight for it and drew the curtains. The window was opened and it was already dark. A purple twilight covered the sea and an autumn storm was gathering its clouds on the horizon. She stopped dumbfounded when she saw the abyss under her feet. If she jumped, it would mean death on these rocks. Her dislocated body would be swallowed by the whirlpool. She shivered. Cassatti's voice whispered in her hears:

- It's marvellous, isn't it? It's a great foretaste for our night of love!

She knocked him against the wall and ran to the bedroom. She saw that one window was on the seaside, but she noticed another one on the opposite side. She went to that one; it was open like the previous one. She bent over the ledge and saw the hotel's park below, a vast garden planted with cypresses and pine trees whose branches nearly reached her. Cassatti's voice was following her. He had followed her in the bedroom. He whispered:

-It's four-storey's high, my dear child. I like high rise apartments; it's better to admire the landscape. And, you noticed, it's wiser when you receive some pretentious young woman who put on airs when offered some private diner.

He didn't foresee what Bianca was going to do. In one glance, she had measured the distance, calculated her chance and observed the elements in her favour. She climbed on the window ledge.

- Here! Be careful, said Cassatti.

She jumped. The Count screamed, but he didn't manage to stop her. He bent in through the window, but all he could see was the agitated foliage of a huge pine tree. During one minute, his lip trembled, and then, regaining his composure, he whispered casually:

- That's a shame!

He didn't care for the rest. He didn't know if the girl had killed herself or she had taken refuge in a tree, hooked on a branch. He didn't know and didn't want to.

However, as he didn't hear any noise, he supposed that she must have been resting in the solid branches of the pine tree and that she would have to spend the night there because the tree was huge without any lower branches. And he thought that it was a good punishment.

To be continued ...