"No, not even for you."
"But you do not love him?" he asked eagerly.
"Yes," she answered slowly; "I do--in a way, that is."
"But not like--"
"Enough, Lieutenant O'Neill!" she answered proudly, resuming, perforce, her erstwhile haughty air, which was belied by a deep flush on her cheeks. "'Tis not generous of you to press me further. I--we have decided. I can stand no more. Forgive me-- Have mercy!"
"I respect your decision; nay, more, I honor you for it, Lady Elizabeth," he answered gravely. "I kiss your hand and go to my death smiling. Forget me."
"Your death!" she cried in alarm. "What mean you?"
"The admiral, sir, would speak with you in the office at once," interrupted the sergeant, who had approached with a file of soldiers.
"You see--the summons," replied O'Neill, calmly, to Elizabeth. "Friend, I attend you--good-bye."