“I hear, of course; but I have a kind good husband, and must not listen to your nonsense.”
“It is not nonsense—it is the solemn truth. You don’t know what sort of man you have to deal with. I would give up everything for your sake. Can a man say fairer than that?”
“I don’t want you to give up anything for my sake. All I want is for you to keep at a respectful distance.”
“Then I won’t do anything of the sort,” cried Peace, in a fury, and making such a hideous grimace that his companion was frightened.
“I won’t—not for you or any one else,” he repeated in a louder tone.
“Do, for goodness’ sake, mind what you are saying,” murmured his companion.
“I do mind, and I hope you do also. I tell you again, I won’t give you up. We’ve been companions and friends for a long time, and it is not because your stately, mighty big fellow of a husband has taken a dislike to me that our friendship is to cease. Listen; I’ve got a good lump of money, and it will be yours if you’ll only consent to fly with me.”
The woman burst out into a loud laugh.
“Fly with you!” she exclaimed. “You must be mad to make such a proposition. No, no, my friend; I know what is right and proper.”
“I’ll make you do so,” he exclaimed, making another grimace, and regarding her with a malicious grin, which was more like that of a satyr than a human being.