Sir Noel was touched by this helpless acquiescence. He bent over her sadly enough.
"No, Ruth, you never must see him again."
"I know it—I know it!"
"There is another who loves you," he said, shrinking from the idea of giving that girl to the crafty ruffian who had dared to threaten him. It seemed like an insult to his son thus to dispose of the creature that son had loved, and evidently respected; but he was not prepared for the wild outburst of anguish that followed his words. Ruth sprang to her feet, her eyes widening, her wet face contracted.
"You will not—you must not ask that of me. I will die first."
"Be it so. I will not urge you," answered the baronet, soothingly. "Only promise me never to see Walton again!"
"I must! I do! Oh, believe me! I never, never must see him again!"
"You must go away!"
"Oh, if I could—if I only could!"
"It must be, my poor child. Some place of refuge shall be found."