He seated himself on the railing of the bridge, above and a little behind her. And then he made an ardent declaration of his love and an offer of his hand.
Odalite grew pale and cold as she listened to him, not in fear, but in wrath, disgust and abhorrence.
“Has my father authorized you to speak to me on this subject, Col. Anglesea?” she inquired, in a freezing tone, without looking at him.
“No, my dearest one; but your mother has.”
Odalite shook her head with derisive incredulity. Col. Anglesea continued as if he had not seen her gesture:
“And I want your authority to speak to your father of these my most cherished hopes.”
“Then, sir, you need not trouble him on the subject. I suppose, sir, that I ought to thank you for the honor you have done me by this offer, but I have to assure you that it is utterly impossible for me to accept it,” she said, in the same icy tone, and without glancing toward him.
“Oh, why, my dear Miss Force?” he inquired, with an insinuating smile, as he bent down to look in her face.
But she kept her eyes averted, as she answered, coldly:
“Because I have long been engaged to my cousin, Mr. Leonidas Force, who is coming home at Christmas, when we shall be married and go to live at Greenbushes, as you know very well, Col. Anglesea, for you have heard the whole matter freely discussed. You know this so well that I am surprised at the inconsistency of your action in offering me your hand.”