'I have no answer to give, sir, because I know that, even if you now think yourself in earnest, you will be no longer so to-night.'
'Before we leave this wood, girl, I will and must have an answer, and beware how you irritate me.'
He seized her hand as he spoke, and held it tight.
'You will release me before I answer you, sir; I have gone through too many dangers and temptations to be frightened into speech.'
He released her hand, but kept his eyes fixed on her face. She did not quail, though she felt her heart beat violently.
'If you are serious, sir, I ought, I suppose, to be grateful for so strange an honour; but I do not believe you are so, and my answer is, that a servant such as I, can have nothing to say to a gentleman such as you.'
'A servant! You will be no longer a servant. You are not one at this moment.'
Again he seized her hand. She was frightened, but did not loose her self-command.
'Sir, you had now better let me return home. Miss Gwynne will wonder what has become of me. It is time that she should be ready—that you, sir, should be ready. What will she think and say?'
'I care not; nothing shall turn me from my purpose. You shall not leave this wood until you promise.'