“You can, at least, go to the prison and return him the acknowledgments which our character and credit require of us,” still persisted the former.
“Well, I shall do no such thing,” replied the other, with angry impatience; “for I consider the fellow's conduct tonight has wholly absolved me from my obligations to him, if I was ever under any,” he added, rising to depart.
“I do not view it so, father,” returned the unmoved girl, in a mild, expostulating tone, “and I am sorry for your decision; for, if those whose place it more properly is to do this, refuse to perform it, I know not why I should not myself undertake the duty.”
“You!”
“Yes, father.”
“What, to-night?”
“Certainly; another day may be too late.”
“Madness and folly! Why, who is to attend you, silly girl?”
“If no gentleman is to be found with courtesy enough to attend me, I shall not hesitate to go alone, sir.”
“We will see if you do!” exclaimed the old gentleman, looking back from the entrance at the other, with an expression of scornful defiance—“we will see if you do, madam!” he repeated, closing the door after him, and turning the key on his daughter, whom he thus left a prisoner in her own room.