"That is what I have been telling your father."
"My father! Surely, surely you have not been torturing him!"
"Torturing him! No. But we have come to an understanding at last."
Ruth grew pallid to the lips.
"An understanding! How?"
The terror that shook her voice was triumph to him. At least he had the power to torment her, and would use it to the utmost.
"You ask? I thought you might know what manner of man old Jessup is, without asking."
"I know that he is just but never cruel."
"Cruel! Oh, far from it. Go ask him, if you doubt."
"Let me pass, and I will," answered the girl, desperately. "At any rate, he would not sanction your rudeness in keeping me here."