"Mr. Elliston, did you come here to insult me?"
"Certainly not," he answered in a gentler tone. "Forgive me, Nellie; I can't abide having another win the affections of one I so much covet. If you only knew, Nell——"
"Mr. Elliston, don't."
Both came to their feet.
He advanced and seized her hands once more; nay, he suddenly flung one arm about her slender waist and drew her closely, at the same time imprinting a kiss on her cheek.
"I love you, Nell, and will not give you up. Fly with me, darling, where no odious friends may come between us!"
"Villain, release me!"
Nell struggled with desperate energy, but she was as a child in the hands of the tall scoundrel.
"No, no, little girl, I will not permit you to escape. I mean to make it impossible for you to wed another," grated the man, in a meaning voice, that sent a shudder of horror to the heart of pure Nell Darrel.
Lucky was it for the girl that her visitor had not yet left the house.