"I want to talk to you privately before you go," said Barrows, in a sulky voice.
"It is not necessary," answered the girl.
"But I insist upon it. It is my right."
"You have no rights I do not give you. This is good-by."
"I'll make you regret this yet. I'll——"
"Hold hard, Barrows. Remember, you are in my house, and that you are talking to my daughter. Threats to a girl do not come gracefully from a gentleman." The colonel evidently had sprung to his feet, and his voice was cold and harsh.
"Very well, I will not threaten. I will execute."
The young officer strode from the room and through the hall, pausing to pick up his cap.
At the door he came face to face with Ted Strong, who was standing there quietly, waiting for the moment when he should think his presence would be necessary in the library.
As the two came face to face, Barrows stopped and looked into Ted's eyes with a look of intense hatred. He was as white as a sheet, and his lips trembled.