He caught her by the arm, which he pinched with savage grip.
“Leave go!” she ejaculated. “What have I done that you should treat me thus?”
“I’ll never leave you, never give you up as long as I have life,” he returned.
“Oh! you tormenting man! I will not remain with you any longer.”
“You shall!” he returned quickly. You shan’t leave; I won’t let you. Don’t think to get the better of me, my lady. You shan’t go.”
Mrs. Dyson gave utterance to a faint scream, when, to the surprise of her and her pertinacious companion, Mr. Dyson came in front of the arbour in which they were seated.
“What is the matter?” he inquired. Then, for the first time, catching sight of Peace, he said, in a tone of anger—
“How is it I find you, sir, annoying my wife again?
I must request you to abstain from this unseemly conduct. If you do not, I shall take means to prevent you.”
“Shut up!” cried Peace, “and mind your own business. This is a public place, and as such, I have as much right to be here as you have. So shut up, I say.”