"It is not quite fair to flaunt our need in my face," she answered, all but imperiously. "But you know how we are situated, as does every one in Macon, and this county. Father's bank stock is his only source of income, if you will have me say it."
"You have not exactly answered my question," pursued Devil Marston. "I told you that everything worth having must be bought. What will you give me for this dividend?"
"I do not understand what you mean. It belongs to us—or our part of it does. Why will you not let us have it?"
She could not look at him; his face was repulsive beyond measure, and she kept her eyes on the delicately-veined ears of The Prince as she desperately fought her battle of words.
"I will let you have it—but, there is a price to pay. You cannot get something for nothing, from me!"
His voice rang hard and exultant on the last sentence.
"Please be plain," she urged. "Tell me what you mean, quickly."
"The dividend has its price, if you will pay!" he said, drawing a step closer. "A little price to save you and your father from starvation. Get down, come into my home with me, drink a glass of wine with me, kiss me once!—Will you pay it?"