"What a strange welcome!" he says, reproachfully. "My letters during the past week should have explained everything to you."
"I have had none," says Clarissa, shortly.
"No? Was that why I received no answers? I have risen from a sick-bed to come to you, and demand the reason of your silence."
"I am sorry you troubled yourself so far. Ruth Annersley could have given you the answer you require."
His face blanches perceptibly; and his eyes, in their usual stealthy fashion, seek the ground.
"What have I to do with her?" he says, sullenly.
"Coward!" says Miss Peyton, in a low tone. "Do you, then, deny even all knowledge of the woman you have so wronged?"
"Take care! do not go too far," cries he, passionately, laying his hand upon her bridle, close to the bit. "Have you no fear?"
"Of you? none!" returns she, with such open contempt as stings him to the quick. "Remove your hand, sir."
"When I have said all I wish to say," returns he, coarsely, all his real brutality coming to the surface. "You shall stay here just as long as I please, and hear every word I am going to say. You shall——"