"Oh, pshaw! I won't hurt you. Sit down and keep quiet."
But the girl could not compose herself and began to walk up and down the mill floor. She wished to get to the door and edged in that direction, but Corrigan quickly headed her off.
"You come with me," he said, presently. "I ain't going to trust you down here any more."
"I shan't go a step with you," she answered, vehemently. "O, Mr. Corrigan, please let me go! Please do!" And she clasped her hands and held them out toward him.
"Don't cut up so, Miss Willington. As I said before, I shan't harm a hair of your head. But I must make you stay here for a while. Now come with me."
"But where do you wish me to go?"
"There is a loft overhead. I must lock you up there, but only for a little while."
"But why are you doing this?"
"As I said before, that must remain my business. Come."
She shook her head.