With these words he turned from the contemptuous old man, and in a hurried, angry mood sought Elizabeth in her usual sitting-room.
She opened her eyes as he opened the door and looked at him. Then she rose and went toward him. He waved her away imperatively and said:
“No, Elizabeth! No! I have no caress for you to-day! I do not think I shall ever feel lovingly to you again. Why did you tell your father anything? I thought our love was a secret, sacred affair. When I am brought to catechism about my heart matters, I shut my heart close. I am not to be hectored and frightened into marrying any woman.”
“Will you remember whose presence you are in?”
“If you wanted to be my wife–––”
“I do not want to be your wife.”
“If you loved me in the least–––”
“I do not love you in the least.”
“I shall come here no more. O Elizabeth! Only to think!”